SHILLONG: The St. Edmund’s College Unit of the National Service Scheme (NSS) undertook a caving expedition to Krem Mawmluh (Mawmluh Cave) on December, located near the Mawmluh Cement Factory, near Sohra and about 58 km from Shillong. The cave is approximately 7 km long.
Krem Mawmluh is a beautiful limestone cave with unique and natural artistic formations which are created due to physical and biogenic activities.
With the natural ceiling and wall decorations and treading through naturally formed stone bridges and the sight of underground stream gushing through underneath our feet, it was a very unique and exciting experience.
According to research studies, caves have significant activity of physical and life processes which makes the caves appear magnificent in the form of various types of cave formations and unique depositions.
Caves have a unique and consistent environment different from the outside fluctuating environment and for that reason, they harbour life forms which are quite different or have evolved differently due to the cave’s unique environment.
Even the microorganisms are possibly different and are the main biogenic component in shaping the various artistic depositions found in the caves.
With the existence of numerous caves spreading out through our entire state, Meghalaya is truly a representation of a unique cave biodiversity which is currently attracting tourists and researchers all over the world.
About 25 NSS volunteers and Programme Officers were part of the caving experience which was led by Gregory Diengdoh and Rishan of the Meghalaya Adventure Association.
The programme included a detailed awareness on the richness of cave systems and their preservation besides instilling the spirit of adventurism among the students.
The volunteers also undertook cleaning drive inside the cave which included plastics bags carried by rivers from the catchment areas.