PANAJI: The International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) — one of the largest scientific organisations of UNESCO — has recognised the Mawmluh Cave, located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya, as one of the first 100 IUGS geological heritage sites.
The full list will be presented at the IUGS’s 60th anniversary event, which will take place in Zumaia, Spain.
With a length of 7.2kms, Mawmluh Cave is the fourth longest cave in the Indian subcontinent.
The cave is a long maze with many openings and decorated with stalactites, stalagmites, columns, drapes and moon milk.
Set at an altitude of 4503 m, the cave is known for its stalagmite formations.
Another prime feature of the cave is the pool inside the cave that is formed from five different rivers that pass through the cave.
The Society of Earth Scientists had submitted the proposal to recognise Mawmluh Cave for consideration under the first 100 Global Geoheritage sites.
More than 200 specialists from almost 40 nations and 10 international organisations helped identify and shortlist the sites.
The announcement of the 100 geological heritage sites is expected to kick start an endeavour to designate geological sites from around the world that are iconic, recognised by all geoscience community for their impact in understanding the Earth and its history, said the general secretary The Society of Earth Scientists Dr Satish Tripathi.
