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about:introduction [07 Dec 2015 01:21] David Cooke [Introduction] updated km found by year |
about:introduction [07 Dec 2015 01:22] (current) David Cooke [Caving in the Abode of the Clouds Project, Meghalaya, North East India] |
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| - | As a result of the cave exploration visits listed above, the whereabouts of over 1,300 caves and cave sites are known, of which 825 have been explored to yield in excess of 377 kilometres of measured (surveyed) cave passage, with much more still awaiting discovery. Much of the cave passage that has been explored to date is impressive river cave, deep shafts and large and ancient relic passage. Together these features create cave systems equal in size and beauty to those found anywhere else in the world thus putting Meghalaya firmly on the world-caving map as a significant Cave and Karst Region. | + | To date (March 2015), the whereabouts of over 1,580 caves and cave locations are known, of which 970 have been explored or partially explored to yield in excess of 427 kilometres of measured (and of which a significant portion is mapped) cave passage, with much more awaiting discovery. Many of the caves explored to date contain impressive river passages, deep shafts and large and ancient relic passage. Together these features create cave systems equal in size and beauty to those found anywhere else in the world and put Meghalaya firmly on the world-caving map as a significant Cave and Karst Region. Within the caves is a rich variety of unique cave fauna and alongside the exploration foreign biologist and their Indian counterparts, most recently in partnership with the Lady Keane College in Shillong, have continued to record and document this finding in the process species that are completely unique to Meghalaya. |
| - | In the achievement of the above the ‘Caving in the Abode of the Clouds Project’ is indebted to the help and support it has received over the years from; the Meghalaya Adventurers Association, the Government of India Tourist Office (East and North East India) Kolkata; the Meghalaya State Tourism Department; Officials and Government Departments within Meghalaya; and, very importantly, the People of Meghalaya. Acknowledgement is also given to the Grampian Speleological Group, UK for its regular financial support and the Ghar Parau Foundation and Mount Everest Foundation financial help at various times and NSS International Grant Fund for assistance in 2012. | + | In the achievement of the above the ‘Caving in the Abode of the Clouds Project’ is indebted to the help and support it has received over the years from; the Meghalaya Adventurers Association, the Government of India Tourist Office (East and North East India) Kolkata; the Meghalaya State Tourism Department; Officials and Government Departments within Meghalaya; and, most importantly, the People of Meghalaya. Acknowledgement is also given to the Grampian Speleological Group, UK for its regular financial support and the Ghar Parau Foundation, Mount Everest Foundation and NSS International Grant Fund for financial help at various times. |
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| + | However, the abundance of limestone (and coal) in Meghalaya makes the state not only of interest to the caving fraternity but also of interest to the commercial world, as both are valuable economic resources. Initially small-scale extraction of limestone and coal has been replaced by larger commercial operations seeking to fuel economic growth in the region. To protect the environment, the unique landscape, natural history and particularly the wonderful caves of the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. It is essential that the limestone and coal is extracted in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner if irreversible damage to the landscape and these unique natural features (The Caves of Meghalaya) is to be avoided. | ||
| - | However, the abundance of limestone and coal in Meghalaya makes the state not only of interest to the caving fraternity but also of interest to the commercial world, as limestone and coal are valuable economic resources. The initially small-scale extraction of limestone has in the last 10 years been replaced by larger commercial operations seeking to fuel economic growth in the region. To protect the environment, the unique landscape, the natural history and particularly the wonderful caves that exist within the Khasi, Jaintia and Garo Hills. It is essential that the limestone and coal is extracted in an environmentally sensitive and sustainable manner if irreversible damage to the landscape and these unique natural features (The Caves of Meghalaya) is to be avoided. | ||
