Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh | A ₹100 million (approximately US$1.2 million) Laser Light Show Project developed at Chitrakote Waterfall, one of India’s most iconic natural attractions, has reportedly fallen into disrepair before its official inauguration, raising concerns over the management of public infrastructure and tourism investments.
Known as the “Niagara Falls of India,” Chitrakote Waterfall is a globally recognized tourist destination located in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh. The laser show was introduced during the previous Bhupesh Baghel-led state government to promote night tourism and attract more domestic and international visitors.
Project Worth ₹100 Million Never Became Operational
The ambitious project was designed to transform the waterfall into a nighttime tourist attraction through an advanced Laser Light and Illumination System. Authorities installed high-capacity laser equipment, large lighting poles, and conducted two to three trial runs.
However, despite the investment, the project was never officially inaugurated or opened to the public. Since the trial phase, the laser show has remained non-functional.
Infrastructure Left to Deteriorate
According to local reports, the contractor responsible for installing the laser system never formally handed over the project to any government department or operating agency.
As a result, the infrastructure has gradually deteriorated. Several lighting fixtures installed on the poles have reportedly disappeared, while the batteries and other essential components required to operate the laser system are no longer available.
The once-promising tourism project now stands abandoned, with only the lighting poles remaining as a reminder of the unfinished initiative.
Tourists Express Disappointment
Visitors arriving at Chitrakote Waterfall expecting to experience the much-publicized laser show have expressed disappointment after learning that the attraction is not operational.
Tourist Sandeep Sahu said that if the laser show were functional, it would create a spectacular nighttime view of the waterfall, significantly enhancing Bastar’s tourism appeal and encouraging the growth of night tourism in the region. Instead, visitors are returning disappointed after finding the facility closed.
No Department Claims Responsibility
One of the most concerning aspects of the issue is that no government department has clearly accepted responsibility for the project’s operation or maintenance.
Despite spending ₹100 million in public funds, officials have reportedly been unable to identify which agency is responsible for maintaining or managing the laser show, leaving the expensive infrastructure unused.
Local MLA Seeks Accountability
Chitrakote MLA Vinayak Goyal has expressed dissatisfaction over the situation and announced that he will seek detailed information from the concerned departments regarding why the project has remained non-operational.
He stated that efforts would be made to identify the reasons behind the delay and take the necessary steps to make the laser show operational as soon as possible.
Potential Tourism Impact
Tourism experts believe that a functioning Laser Light Show could significantly enhance the visitor experience at Chitrakote Waterfall, encouraging longer stays, increasing local business opportunities, and strengthening Bastar’s reputation as a premier eco-tourism destination.
However, until the project is restored and officially commissioned, the expensive installation remains an example of unused public investment, with its tourism potential yet to be realized.
