Watch: What went wrong at Lapas waterfall? Viral video sparks debate on tourist behaviour

A travel influencer’s recent video has once again sparked debate about the condition of public spaces in India, especially in popular tourist spots. What was supposed to be a peaceful trek to the mesmerising Lapas waterfall ended up highlighting how careless behaviour and a lack of civic sense often take away from the natural beauty of such places.The video, which has gone viral on Instagram, shows piles of garbage, men drinking in the open, and temporary stalls set up along the natural trail. Using a sarcastic tone, the influencer says, “India has the best civic sense,” before quickly adding, “Just kidding. We lack civic sense.”Lapas waterfall under spotlight for all the wrong reasonsThe video starts off with excitement about the trek, but the mood quickly changes to disappointment as the true state of the place becomes clear: plastic waste littered on the rocks, noisy groups disturbing the peace, and unregulated vendors crowding the trail with makeshift stalls.“There’s no space left that hasn’t been turned into a market,” the influencer notes in the video. Her voice-over and the visuals reflect a growing frustration among Indian travellers– that even offbeat and remote places are now being affected by irresponsible tourist behaviour and poor local management.Watch the viral video: Public reaction: Anger and frustration over familiar problemsSocial media users wasted no time in reacting. Many pointed out that the issue is far too common across tourist destinations in India.

One comment read, “Civic sense is a joke in India,” while another echoed the sentiment: “These alcoholic people spoil even the most beautiful trek.”Some responses also highlighted local accountability. A viewer noted, “This is the Lapas waterfall, Barot, Himachal Pradesh, and it has been completely destroyed by the tourists and the villagers who live there. They openly sell beers and encourage this pathetic behaviour!”Another user shared a concern about the direction the next generation is heading in, writing: “You are right.

Even next gen isn’t improved in the right direction.”Not an isolated caseThis isn’t the first time tourist behaviour has raised concerns. In another viral video, a foreign tourist was seen asking an Indian man to pick up a wrapper he had thrown on the road– an incident that also sparked widespread discussion about the casual neglect of public cleanliness.