Hathai Kotor Eco Park in Tripura is witnessing a sharp decline in visitors due to poor maintenance and administrative neglect. Locals demand urgent restoration as the park’s deteriorating condition raises questions over tourism development claims.
Once envisioned as a flagship eco-tourism destination in Tripura, Hathai Kotor Eco Park—earlier known as Baramura Eco Park—now presents a troubling picture of decline. Situated strategically along the Assam–Agartala National Highway near Teliamura, the park was once celebrated as a lush green retreat attracting tourists, families, and picnic groups from across the state. Today, however, diminishing visitor numbers and visible neglect threaten its relevance on Tripura’s tourism map.
Launched with significant expectations, the eco park initially benefited from its natural surroundings, accessibility, and seasonal popularity. During its peak years, especially in winter, the park witnessed heavy footfall, turning it into one of the region’s most vibrant leisure destinations. Over time, incremental developments were introduced, reinforcing hopes that it would evolve into a sustainable tourism hub.
Yet, the current reality sharply contrasts with those early ambitions. Visitors now encounter poorly maintained infrastructure, lack of cleanliness, and minimal recreational upgrades. These shortcomings have steadily eroded public interest, leading to a noticeable drop in tourist arrivals.
Confirming this trend, Pranab Debnath, who oversees the management of the eco park and adjoining picnic area, acknowledged that visitor numbers have fallen significantly. He noted that official records up to December this year clearly indicate a sharp decline compared to previous seasons when the park would be crowded with tourists.
Park employee Joychandra Rupini also admitted that fewer visitors are arriving, though he expressed uncertainty about the precise reasons. However, local stakeholders believe the causes are evident. Deepak Das, who operates the park’s canteen and nearby shops, attributed the downturn directly to administrative negligence. According to him, inadequate monitoring and lack of regular maintenance by the Tourism Department have allowed the park’s condition to deteriorate despite its strong potential.
Local residents and business owners argue that the park’s decline reflects a broader gap between official claims and ground-level execution. While the state government and the Department of Tourism frequently assert that sustained efforts are underway to promote and modernize tourism destinations across Tripura, Hathai Kotor Eco Park tells a different story.
The introduction of speedboat rides last year briefly renewed interest and offered a glimpse of what targeted modernization could achieve. However, tourism observers stress that isolated initiatives are insufficient. Comprehensive upgrades, better maintenance, enhanced security, and consistent promotional strategies are urgently needed to revive public confidence.
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Concerns have also been raised regarding administrative accountability, with questions surrounding the role of Beat Officer Nirmal Das amid allegations of poor oversight and ineffective management.
As Tripura seeks to position itself as an emerging eco-tourism destination in the Northeast, the fading appeal of Hathai Kotor Eco Park serves as a cautionary example. Without immediate corrective measures, one of the state’s once-promising attractions risks slipping further into obscurity, undermining broader tourism development goals.
