GUWAHATI: A recent month-long caving expedition in Meghalaya has mapped 22,663 metres of unexplored underground passages, uncovering significant cave systems. It includes Lungchung Khur, which is now confirmed as India’s 10th longest cave.
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Conducted from February 2 to February 28, the “Caving in the Abode of the Clouds Expedition” focused on the limestone caves of Byrong, Jongria, and the Muallian Spur. Lungchung Khur, located beneath the Muallian Spur, measures 13,618 metres and features vast underground river passages, some extending up to 30 metres wide.
The initial phase in the Byrong area of Wahlong, East Khasi Hills, led to the exploration of eight caves, including Krem Riblai (1,973 metres), Krem Khla (1,521 metres), and Krem Wallang (1,393 metres). A total of 6,210 metres of new passages were surveyed. The main phase, based in Jongria Village, mapped 27 caves in the Pongkoloi River region and Litang Basin. Notable discoveries included Canyon Sink (938 metres) and the Krem Soh Shrieh System, which revealed 13 new blind shafts.
The team also extended known caves, adding 99 metres to Um Sngad Sink and 80 metres to Krem Pakse. A separate expedition from January 3 to 14 in Krem Amarsang, South West Khasi Hills, extended its mapped length beyond 1,564 metres.
With these findings, Meghalaya’s total recorded cave length now stands at 573.6 km. The discovery has challenged previous assumptions that the area lacked significant cave systems.
