Kanger Valley Park In UNESCO's Tentative List: Chhattisgarh

Kanger Valley National Park in Chattisgarh, which is spread over 200 square kilometres in Bastat. It has been added to UNESCO's tentative List. It is renowned for its biodiversity, waterfalls, and caves, it aims for World heritage recognition. The park's inclusion marks a first for the state, promising tourism and employment benefits. The park is significant for local tribes, enriching their culture and lives.

Chhattisgarh's Kanger Valley National Park has been included in the UNESCO Tentative List, making it India's nomination for the World Heritage List of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization officials said on Wednesday. Spread over 200 square kilometres in the Bastar district, the pristine Kangel valley forests flanked by hills and covered with sal trees are popular for their natural beauty, biodiversity, waterfalls and caves.

Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called the developments a matter of pride for the state. According to a government statement, it would open up new possibilities in tourism and employment. UNESCO's Tentative List is an inventory of sites a country intends to nominate for inclusion on the World Heritage List. This is the first and most crucial step in the nomination process. "This success is the result of our hard work and commitment; we will continue to work together to preserve our heritage in the future," Sai said.

In December 2023, the state government and the Archaeological Survey of India planned to ensure global recognition for this site, the release said. Experts studied its biodiversity archaeological and unique ecosystem, and a proposal was sent to include its name in the UNESCO Tentative List, it said.

"This is the first time a site in Chhattisgarh has been included in this prestigious List. Now it is hoped that it can get the status of permanent World Heritage in the coming years," the release said.

The national park has over 15 limestone caves, including the famous Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves. It is also home to rare animals like "otter, mouse deer, giant squirrel, Lethis softshell turtle and the wild wolf," over 200 bird species, and 140 butterflies, according to the release.

The achievement will benefit the forest as well as the villages surrounding it. For the Dhruva and Gond tribes that live here, this is not just a first but a part of their culture and life, it said. Last year, Dhudmaras village in Kanger Valley National Park found a place on the world tourism map. The release added that the United Nations World Tourism Organisation included it, making it one of 20 world villages for development tied to tourism.

#unescosites #indiatourism #incredibleindia #indianews #chhattisgarh