Darhals’ famous waterfall | Locals fear decline in water flow

Rajouri, Nov 2: Amid increasing popularity of famous waterfall of Darhal in Rajouri district, the locals from the area fear decline in its water flow accusing Jal Shakti Department of mooting a proposal of using waterfall's source in supplying water to a habitation.
The locals have urged to shun any such plan and rather to use water down the stream instead of using water from waterfall's source.

This waterfall at Khoriwali in Darhal tehsil was lesser known until a proper road connectivity in the village which brought this place in public view after which Darhal waterfall is a main tourist attraction in the district from last three years.
Not only the people of Rajouri district but people and tourists from other districts of Jammu and Kashmir also visit this waterfall to enjoy a bath under cold water that has its source in Pir Panjal mountains.

The waterfall is located in between dense vegetation cover in Khariwali village of Darhal tehsil and is few kilometers away from Darhal township.
Amid rising popularity of this place locals of the area are now fearing decline in water flow of fall terming a proposal of Jal Shakti Department as disastrous which can bring to an end the existence of this beautiful natural place.

People of the area said that Jal Shakti Department is reportedly planning to lay an additional water supply pipeline at the stream with an aim to supply water to some habitations of the area.
" Water supply is an important aspect but if water pipeline is laid upstream, which is source of waterfall, it will result decline in water flow of stream ultimately affecting the waterfall," said locals.
They added that water supply in habitations can be made from downstream also which will solve the purpose of water supply in habitations as well as saving the water flow of fall.

" We are fighting only to save the waterfall which is a rare natural tourist place in the region and it has played role in boosting the tourism potential of this region," they said.
Tourism department has also established a tourist site at the location with some basic amenities like sitting area, stairs, selfie point have been constructed to boost tourist attraction of place.

" We oppose any such attempt that will badly affect the waterfall." Mushtaq Inqlabi said who also asked Rajouri Development Authority to intervene and to ensure that this place is protected from all risks.
A delegation of locals also met senior officers of district administration Rajouri and put forth the demand opposing laying of water supply pipeline upstream the waterfall.
Members of this delegation said that officers of administration patiently listened to the matter and asked Jal Shakti Department officers to submit a factual report on it.
Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Vikas Kundal said that he will look into the matter raised by locals.