Sub-Continent's Third Longest Caves Explored in Meghalaya

Shillong, Mar 8 : Adventurers have explored 36 new caves, including the sub-continent's third longest one, and mapped 25,205 metres of new cave passage during a month long expedition in Meghalaya's Jaintia Hills district.

Initiated by the Meghalaya Adventurers Association (MAA), 41 cavers, including those from the UK, Switzerland, Austria, Iran, Belgium and a nine-member Indian Navy contingent took part in the 24-day expedition that concluded on last month.

"Over this three and half week period, a total of six partially explored caves were further explored and 36 new caves explored. Information was collection about 18 more unexplored caves," MAA secretary and noted caver Brian Kharpran Daly said in a statement on Monday.

A total of 25,205 metres of new cave passage was explored and mapped during the expedition, taking the total number of caves in Meghalaya to 1,284.

Referring to the achievements of the expedition, Kharpran said the total length of the Krem Tyngheng-Krem Diengjem system was found to be 21,103 metres, making it the third longest in the Indian subcontinent.

The longest and second longest caves of the sub-continent are also in this district - Krem Liat Prah (31 kms) and Kotsati-Um Lawan (25 kms).