UNESCO Included in the First List
The First in Chhattisgarh to Achieve National Park Eligibility
Raipur, March 12, 2025 / Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar, known for its rich biodiversity and as a habitat for rare species of flora and fauna, has been included by UNESCO in the tentative list of World Heritage Sites for 2025. Now, to achieve the status of a World Heritage Site, the state government will have to present its claim with full facts within a year. The inclusion of Kanger Valley in the Tentative List is also a major achievement, as this is the first time any site in Chhattisgarh has received this opportunity. Spread over 200 square kilometers, Kanger Valley National Park is special for many reasons. About two years ago, the then Director of Kanger Valley National Park, Ganveer Dhammashil, sent a proposal to UNESCO for the National Park to be a World Heritage Site, based on about a year of preparation and research, including research from the Archeology Department and several other departments. UNESCO gives the status of a World Heritage Site to a place in three categories: the first category is natural heritage, the second is cultural, and the third is mixed. The application was sent for the first category, which has been included in the tentative list, which is a major achievement. UNESCO has announced this on its website. Now, factual information has to be provided in its support within a year.
Special Features of Kanger Valley National Park
The park’s biodiversity makes it very special. It is also the natural habitat of the hill myna, which can speak like humans.
The park has 16 natural limestone caves, including Kotumsar.
These caves are millions of years old and the special thing is that they are still alive. This is what distinguishes these caves from the caves in the rest of the country. The construction of new limestone structures is ongoing. These caves are home to blind fish and many other types of creatures.
Another specialty of the park is the Dhurwa tribals, who carry thousands of years of civilization with them and are contributing to the conservation of the forest.