Caving expedition maps 13.35 km of new cave passage in M’laya

SHILLONG, Dec 12: The 29th edition of ‘Caving in the Abode of the Clouds Expedition’ has explored and mapped 13.35 km of new cave passage in Meghalaya.
According to a statement, the expedition, which took place from November 6 to December 1, was attended by 19 cavers from across India, UK, Ireland, Austria, Netherlands, US, as well as members of the Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association.
The expedition was successful in exploring and mapping 13.35 km of new cave passage in Meghalaya.
“Till November 2022, the whereabouts of just over 1,700 caves and cave locations are known in Meghalaya of which over 1,000 have been explored or partially explored. With this year’s expedition, the total cave passage explored and mapped in the state of Meghalaya has reached 531 km with much more still waiting to be discovered. This solidifies Meghalaya as a top caving region in the world,” the statement said.
“Much of the cave that has been explored and mapped in Meghalaya over the last 30 years consists of impressive river caves mixed with massive and often richly decorated relic passages along with magnificent clean-washed shafts that create cave systems equal in size and beauty to those found elsewhere in the world, maintaining Meghalaya’s status on the world-caving map as a significant caving region. Besides, these caves offer a rich diversity of cave life,” it added.
Prior to the commencement of the expedition, a pre-expedition of a nine-member group was also undertaken in Jalaphet village, East Jaintia Hills.
The team, during the pre-expedition, explored five caves of which three were newly discovered, including Krem Poh Bhang in the village of Poh Bhang and Krem Mo Ryho in the village of Kairang.
The main expedition team, however, concentrated its efforts in the area of Muallian in East Jaintia Hills, where they explored and mapped one new cave (Krem ETB) and the continuation of Krem Rynjang (Ret Dung Khur) and Krem Pynnoh Um Sngad.
“Krem Pynnoh Um Sngad was extended from 4,131m (2020) to 5,295m, and connected to the new cave Krem ETB which had also been explored to 7,138m, thus making the cave system Krem Poh Um Sngad – ETB the ninth longest cave in India at 12,433 m. Krem Rynjang (Ret Dung Khur) going strong as ever was extended from 11,558m to 16,328m and is now currently number 7. Both the cave systems Krem Pynnoh Um Sngad-ETB and Krem Rynjang are ongoing and geologically there is a convincing possibility that the two systems will connect,” the statement said.