Water Shortage Threatens the Beauty of Hyatrung Waterfall

Hyatrung Waterfall, located in Fedaap Rural Municipality of Tehrathum, is facing a crisis due to water scarcity. Locals emphasize the urgent need for protection of water sources above the waterfall and for scientific management. Approximately NPR 80 million has already been spent by local, provincial, and federal governments on tourism infrastructure development. (May 23, Tehrathum)

The sight of water cascading like a white curtain from the hills, surrounded by lush green forests and the sweet sounds of birds, captivates all visitors to Hyatrung Waterfall, a renowned tourist destination in eastern Nepal. Situated at an elevation of about 1,500 meters above sea level, Hyatrung lies on the border between Samdu of Ward No. 4 and Isibu of Ward No. 5 in Fedaap Rural Municipality. The waterfall plunges approximately 365 meters from the top and is recognized as Nepal’s second highest and Asia’s fourth highest waterfall.

However, in recent years, water scarcity has endangered this popular site. While it gushes heavily during the rainy season, the flow dwindles significantly during the dry months. Locals point to drying water sources upstream, irregular rainfall patterns, climate change, and increasing pressure on forest areas as factors severely impacting the waterfall’s water flow.

Devi Regmi, a local from Fedaap Rural Municipality-4, states, “Earlier, water flowed abundantly year-round. Now, during the dry season, the water flow at the waterfall has reduced noticeably.” She warns that without proper conservation of water sources, Hyatrung’s natural beauty could be at risk in the future. The dwindling water threatens not only this natural attraction but also one of eastern Nepal’s emerging tourism centers.

Joint efforts by local, provincial, and federal governments have so far invested nearly NPR 80 million in infrastructure development. Stairs, railings, resting platforms, and pathways have been built to facilitate tourist access, and safety measures installed at hazardous spots. A suspension bridge approximately 350 meters long is under construction to enhance visitor experience. However, concerns arise as to how these facilities will sustain tourism if the waterfall itself continues to lose water.

Tourism experts stress that sustainable tourism must prioritize the conservation of natural resources. They conclude that merely improving infrastructure cannot ensure long-term tourism viability. Reaching Hyatrung is itself an exhilarating journey, involving uphill and downhill paths through forests, steps, and trails from the main road, with the final descent taking about 15 minutes. The approaching roar of the waterfall helps visitors shed their travel fatigue, as shared by Tulsi Sitoula from Atharai-1, who says, “The true beauty of the waterfall can only be appreciated in person. It makes you realize how wonderfully nature has crafted this place.” However, locals note that in recent years, the waterfall’s appearance changes during the dry season, raising concerns about the impact on visitors’ experience.

The crisis is not limited to tourism; it is affecting local livelihoods as well. Water scarcity impacts farming, animal husbandry, and daily household needs, according to residents. They report that as water sources weaken, their way of life is changing. Locals stress the immediate need for conservation of upstream water sources, reforestation, forest protection, and scientific management.

Hyatrung Waterfall has also created new economic opportunities locally. With increasing tourist arrivals, sales of local products, tea shops, small hotels, and homestays have grown. Young people are beginning to see potential in the tourism sector. According to Bheshraj Chongbang, chair of Ward No. 4 of Fedaap Rural Municipality, plans are underway to develop Hyatrung as a sustainable tourist destination. The aim is not just to have tourists visit the waterfall briefly but to encourage longer stays by promoting homestays, local cuisine, and cultural tourism.

The concern that Hyatrung Waterfall, so vibrant during the rainy season, will dry up during the dry months is worrying locals. The pressing question now is whether this unique natural gift can be preserved or if it will be lost forever.