MADURAI: Nearly 50 days after Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Kutladampatti Falls, work is yet to begin at the popular tourist destination, pointing to procedural and technical delays.
The Tamil Nadu government has sanctioned Rs 2.93 crore through the Tourism Department for restoring the falls. However, final approvals from the Forest Department are still awaited, preventing the commencement of construction work.
Located inside the Kutladampatti forest area, the falls have remained closed since 2018 after Cyclone Gaja triggered severe rockslides. Trekking routes, bathing platforms, changing rooms and other facilities were damaged, forcing authorities to shut the site indefinitely.
Since then, proposals submitted by the Forest Department to restore the eco-tourism site remained pending, leaving the falls inaccessible for nearly six years. After prolonged delays, the Tourism Department allocated ₹2.93 crore for redevelopment, and on December 7, 2025, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for the project. Despite this, no work has been taken up so far.
“Though it was a welcome move to redevelop the Kutladampatti Falls, which has remained closed for more than seven years, the work is getting delayed even after the foundation stone was laid,” said Mathivanan, a resident of the Kutladampatti locality.
District Forest Officer Revati Raman attributed the delay to technical issues in the Detailed Project Report (DPR). “The DPR required revisions, which held up approvals. We expect the revised DPR to be sanctioned within one or two days, after which work can begin,” he said.
Tourism Department sources said the sanctioned funds are ready and will be released once the Forest Department initiates the work. The redevelopment plan aims to restore the falls and develop it as a sustainable eco-tourism destination with improved trekking trails, bathing areas, viewing platforms and basic amenities.
Tourists and local residents, who have been waiting for the reopening for years, hope the project will soon restore the natural charm of Kutladampatti Falls.