200-metre-long cave discovered in Pithoragarh
RUDRAPUR: A 200-metre-long cave has been found in Gangolihat area of Pithoragarh district.
The new cave that is one km from famous Halkalika temple has been named Mahakaleshwar by a youth who discivered it.
“Gangolihat in Pithoragarh district is considered a valley of natural caves. These caves have been formed 10,000 to 40,000 years ago in limestone rocks. Drip, seepage and flowing of water have created different shapes on cave walls and ceiling over the years. Such kinds of natural caves are important from a tourism point of view,” said CS Chauhan, regional archaeological officer, Almora.
He said a group of adventure enthusiasts went inside the cave two days ago and revealed that the cave was around 200metre-long.
Several shapes or structures appear on the walls where water is seeping or dripping, he said.
“When we headed into the cave, we saw many shapes of rocks. Water drips at several places and turns into different shapes with continuous mineral deposition. People have started reaching there in excitement,” said Surendra Bisht, a member of Gangawali wonder group, a local group of enthusiastic men in Gangolihat.
Chauhan said: “We study or take care of historical or human-made caves and natural caves. Such natural caves can boost local tourism if they are near the road or facilities are provided to the tourists. It can provide employment to the locals.”
“If the administration writes us to visit, we will visit there for an inspection and study,” he added.
Several caves have been found in recent years. Besides Patal Bhuwneshwar, devotees offer prayers in Koteshwar, Shaileshwar, Bholeshwar, Baneshwar, Bhuwneshwar on the occasion of religious festivals.