Picknickers at Sadu Chira waterfall. Picture by S. Sobhapati

Sadar Hills, Jan. 22: Loktak?s loss is Sadu Chira?s gain.

With security forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations taking over tourism infrastructure in the more famous destinations, Sadu Chira waterfall in Sadar Hills has become Manipur?s most-visited tourist spot.

Residents of Sadu Chira village and the adjoining areas of Senapati district may be a tad befuddled by the sudden surge of tourists, but nobody is complaining.

?On an average, about 100 people come everyday to see the magnificent waterfall. The figure swells on Sundays and holidays,? said Achon Chiru of the Sadu Chira Youth Club, which has been promoting the tourist spot.

A 30-minute drive from Imphal towards Bishenpur district takes one to the waterfall, which was surprisingly ?discovered? only recently.

Apart from the unspoilt beauty of the place, the reason for its growing popularity is the unavailability of accommodation in tourist spots elsewhere in the state. Security forces now occupy guesthouses in the famed Loktak lake and Moirang and Phubala in Bishenpur district.

The presence of security forces in at least five major tourist sites has not only kept visitors away, but also caused friction between the tourism and home departments.

Sources said the home department owed the tourism department Rs 30 crore for accommodating security forces in various tourist homes.

Oinam Sarat Singh, who recently took his nine-member family to Sadu Chira for a picnic, said the waterfalls had the potential to be a major tourist destination. ?Our family used to make trips to Sendra Tourist Home at Loktak whenever we needed a break. But when the army moved in five years ago, we stopped going there. This waterfalls (Sadu Chira) is a great alternative,? he said.

Tourism minister Govindas Konthoujam said the government was aware of the popularity of Sadu Chira, but did not spell out any plan to develop infrastructure in its vicinity. For now, the two tribal-dominated villages of Sadu Chira and Loibon Khunou are reaping the benefits of the inflow of tourists. The village councils have been charging Rs 10 per group as entry fee.

A small market has come up near the waterfalls, providing visitors potable water, local produce and firewood. The site is locally known as Tuichoana.