Meghalaya has several limestone caves with ornate stalactites and stalagmites. As explained by experts, stalactites are cave formations that hang from the ceiling, while stalagmites are those that stand up from the ground. It is coincidence that only the stalagmite at Mawsynram has been associated with the Shiva Lingam. The reason probably is because it is not located too deep inside the cave but is located at the entrance to the cave. Similar stalactite and stalagmites are seen inside the Mawmluh cave which has become important after geologists certified it as the indicator of a phenomenon that began 4200 years ago and is now named the “Meghalayan Age” since when the earth experienced an abrupt mega- drought and cooling around the globe. The drought and the cooling lasted two centuries and severely impacted agricultural-based societies that developed in several regions after the end of the last Ice Age. It resulted in the collapse of civilisations in Egypt, Greece, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, the Indus Valley, and the Yangtze River Valley. Evidence of the 4,200-year climatic event has been found on all seven continents.
The International Commission on Stratigraphy (ICS) is the largest and oldest scientific body in the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and the official keeper of geologic time, i.e. it precisely defines units (periods, epochs, and age) of the Geologic Time Scale. This was how the Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya was discovered to have the elements for determining this particular geologic event. Located at an elevation of 1,290 metres, Mawmluh cave is one of the longest and deepest caves in India and provides important record of Holocene palaeo-climate and palaeo-monsoon since they are not subjected to diagenesis, erosion and terrestrial deposits. The conditions in Mawmluh were suitable for preserving chemical signs of oxygen transition in ages. In subsequent years there is no knowing as to what other elements of geological importance will be discovered from the other caves located in different parts of Meghalaya. Hence it is important to ensure that these caves are not destroyed by anthropogenic activities.
Geologists advise that stalactites and stalagmites should not be touched, since the rock buildup is formed by minerals precipitating out of the water solution onto the existing surface; skin oils can alter the surface tension where the mineral water clings or flows, thus affecting the growth of the formation. It is this aspect that needs to be borne in mind and the geological sanctity of the caves should be maintained. It is not necessary that everything be linked to religion which then leads to overcrowding of destinations. There is a limit to how many footfalls the Mawsynram cave can take without adverse impacts on its formation. Besides, there are no amenities and the open fields become defecation spaces. It is critical therefore that the State Tourism Department takes stock of this situation and decides which places are open to tourists and which are best left alone because of their historicity and scientific importance. The controversy should end there!
