A tragic incident at Duduma Waterfall in Koraput district has left the local community and tourists in shock after 22-year-old YouTuber Sagar Kundu was swept away by a sudden surge of water on Saturday, August 23, 2025.
The young vlogger from Berhampur, known for his travel content, remains missing as rescue operations continue into their second day.
Sagar, along with his friend Abhijit Behera from Cuttack, was filming drone footage near the waterfall at around 4 PM when the water level rose unexpectedly due to the release of approximately 2,000 cusecs of water from the Machhkund Dam.
Eyewitnesses reported that the sudden opening of the dam’s gate number 7 triggered powerful currents that swept Sagar off a rock, dragging him nearly 550 feet down the falls. Despite immediate efforts by locals and tourists to rescue him, the force of the water proved overwhelming.
Abhijit, who narrowly escaped, expressed his grief and frustration, stating, “There was no warning, no announcement, no signboards. If there had been any alert system, this tragedy could have been avoided.” His words have fueled growing criticism of the authorities for inadequate safety measures at the popular tourist destination.
Rescue operations, involving the Machhkund police, fire services, and the Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF), were launched immediately but were suspended Saturday night due to the treacherous conditions of the deep gorge and strong currents. On Sunday, ODRAF recovered an equipment bag belonging to Sagar, but hopes of finding him alive are fading. The search continues, with teams battling challenging terrain.
Duduma Waterfall, nestled in the scenic hills of Koraput, has long been a magnet for tourists and content creators. However, this incident marks the third tragedy in the past three months, with two other tourists losing their lives in similar accidents.
The recurring incidents have sparked outrage, with locals and visitors alike demanding stricter safety protocols, including real-time alerts for dam water releases and clear signage. Authorities are now under pressure to address these safety lapses.
As the search for Sagar continues, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that can lurk at natural attractions and the urgent need for robust safety measures to protect visitors.
