Kurnool: Belum caves in Kurnool district are water logged and out of bounds for tourists. Electric wiring system with 200 halogen lamps in deeper parts of the cave is reportedly damaged. Water spread across 300 metres of the cave is being drained out, said A.M.V. Kumar, unit manager.
It may take another 20 days to make it ready for tourists, he added. Water has risen up to Dhyan Mandir and water fountain in the caves, he said.
Located in the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, Belum Caves is the largest and longest cave system in India still open for the tourists. The second largest caves in India after the Krem Liat Prah in Meghalaya and famous for their unique formations of stalactite and stalagmite, the caves were formed over a period of millions of years.
He said that a team of archeological experts visited the site and observed the strength of caves. Concern has been raised because, at several places, the caves developed creeks and openings allowing the rain water to seep through which causes short circuit, he said.
He said that damage to the site could only be assessed once the rains stop and water is totally drained out.
