Bastar’s ‘One-Hour Wonder’: Unique Green Cave To Open For Tourists
The ’Green Cave’ derives its name from the microscopic green microbial layers found on the stalactites (limestone formations) from the cave’s walls and ceiling. It is considered one of a rare caves in the national park due to its geological features.
Raipur: The move by the Chhattisgarh government to promote ecotourism in the famed Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar district in the state has brought to focus the unique ‘Green Cave’ that amazes the academicians and the tourists for receiving sunlight in the afternoon, just for an hour.
In fact, this is the only cave, made of limestone and rock, among other such natural formations in the national park that receives sunlight, leading to microbial growth in it.
“Out of our explored around 27 caves of Kanger Valley, this is the only cave which receives sunlight, that too in the afternoon and just for an hour. It consists of stalactites, layered with algae, giving a texture of a fine green colour oil-paint”, renowned cave explorer of India and scientist Dr Jayant Vishwas told this newspaper on Wednesday.
The ’Green Cave’ derives its name from the microscopic green microbial layers found on the stalactites (limestone formations) from the cave’s walls and ceiling. It is considered one of a rare caves in the national park due to its geological features.
The exquisite cave is located in compartment number 85 of the Kutumsar cave complex, a natural limestone formation, in the park. Inside the ‘Green Cave’, there is a large chamber featuring green coloured large stalactites and flow stones- stone layers formed by running water.
The right side of the cave consists of a 70-meter-long dark tunnel, consisting of white stalactites.
The Kutumsar caves are formed by the flow of rivers through the depth of the earth, Dr Vishwas said.
The temperature inside the caves remains the same throughout the year and are inhabited by frogs, grasshoppers, crabs and other reptiles.
The Green Cave is a religious site for the local tribals.
The dating of the cave is yet to be done.
The Kutumsar cave complex is located around 26 km from Jagdalpur, headquarters of Bastar.
“We are planning to open the Green Cave for tourists as a part of the project for development of ecotourism after January this year. Necessary infrastructure is being developed to make it a destination of ecotourism”, field director of the park Naveen Kumar told this newspaper.
