In a major boost to Chhattisgarh’s tourism, the state’s Kanger Valley National Park has been included in the tentative list of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites and has become India’s new UNESCO heritage claimant with its unique biodiversity.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai termed this success as the result of hard work and commitment of the state government.
“It is a matter of pride for the state that Kanger Valley has been included in the UNESCO Tentative List, which will open up new possibilities in tourism and employment. We will continue to work together to preserve our heritage in the future as well,” he added.
In December 2023, the Chhattisgarh government and the Archaeological Survey of India planned to give global recognition to this amazing site. Experts studied its biodiversity, archaeological heritage and unique ecosystem in depth and then a proposal was sent to include its name in the UNESCO tentative list.
This is the first time that a site in Chhattisgarh has been included in this prestigious list.
Kanger Valley is not just a forest, it is a magical world. There are more than 15 mysterious caves here, such as Kotamsar, Kailash and Dandak caves, which look no less than a mystical world. There are more than 15 limestone caves here—Kotamsar, Kailash, Dandak—which are not only geological wonders, but also contain archaeological stories.
Rare animals live in this park—otter, mouse deer, giant squirrel, Lethis softshell turtle, wild wolf. More than 200 bird species dance in the sky and a colourful carpet of more than 900 plants on the ground.
More than 140 butterflies fill the air with color. Overall, this forest looks like a fairy tale world.
UNESCO’s Tentative List is a special list, which includes those places of the world, which can be declared as World Heritage in future.
This achievement will not only benefit the forest, but also the surrounding villages. For the Dhruva and Gond tribes here, this forest is not just a forest, but a part of their culture and life.
