Chhattisgarh’s Kanger Valley National Park has been included in UNESCO’s Tentative List, a significant step toward gaining World Heritage Site status, officials announced on Wednesday.
The national park, spread across 200 square kilometers in Bastar district, is known for its dense sal forests, hills, waterfalls, and caves. It is home to diverse wildlife, including otters, mouse deer, giant squirrels, Lethis softshell turtles, and wild wolves, as well as over 200 bird species and 140 butterfly species.
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai called this a matter of pride for the state, emphasising that the recognition will boost tourism and create job opportunities. He credited this achievement to the state government's efforts and pledged to continue preserving the region’s natural and cultural heritage.
UNESCO’s Tentative List includes sites that a country intends to nominate for World Heritage status. This is the first and most crucial step in the process.
In December 2023, the Chhattisgarh government and the Archaeological Survey of India worked together to push for global recognition of Kanger Valley. Experts studied its biodiversity, archaeological significance, and ecosystem, leading to the park’s inclusion on the list.
Also read: Security forces clash with Naxalites in C'garh encounter
This marks the first time a site from Chhattisgarh has made it to UNESCO’s Tentative List. The recognition is expected to benefit local communities, particularly the Dhruva and Gond tribes, for whom the forest is an integral part of their culture.
Kanger Valley is also home to over 15 limestone caves, including the famous Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves.
Last year, Dhudmaras village, located within Kanger Valley National Park, was recognised globally when the United Nations World Tourism Organisation listed it among the top 20 villages in the world for tourism-driven development. With this new milestone, hopes are high that Kanger Valley National Park will soon gain permanent World Heritage status.
Also Read: Chhattisgarh’s Naxal-hit village gets bus ride after 50 yrs
Follow us
