Raipur: Chhattisgarh’s Kanger Valley National Park (KVNP) has been included in the natural category of UNESCO’s World Heritage List, marking a historic achievement for the state.
Chief Minister Vishnu Dev Sai expressed immense pride over this recognition, stating that Kanger Valley National Park plays a crucial role in biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and the preservation of local tribal culture. He emphasized that this milestone will bring international recognition to the Bastar region, boosting tourism and strengthening Chhattisgarh’s reputation as an ecological hotspot.
Kanger Valley National Park was included in UNESCO’s list based on its remarkable natural beauty, geological significance, and rich biodiversity. The park features breathtaking landscapes, deep valleys, and magnificent waterfalls, including the spectacular Tirathgarh Waterfall, which plunges from a height of 150 feet. The region is also home to unique geological formations such as karst structures, limestone caves, and distinctive rock formations, making it an important site for scientific and geological research.
In terms of biodiversity, the park is a thriving ecosystem that shelters 963 species of flora, including 30 rare orchid varieties. It is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including 49 species of mammals, 210 species of birds, 37 species of reptiles, 16 amphibians, and 57 fish species. Among its rare and significant species are the Bastar Hill Myna, Chhattisgarh’s state bird, along with the Travancore Wolf Snake, Green Pit Viper, and Montane Trinket Snake.
The inclusion of Kanger Valley National Park in the UNESCO list is expected to significantly boost tourism in the Bastar region. With its vast natural resources and scenic landscapes, the park provides visitors with opportunities for jungle safaris, birdwatching, trekking, kayaking, bamboo rafting, camping, and cave explorations. Kotumsar, Kailash, and Dandak caves are particularly famous for their unique formations and historical significance, drawing both tourists and researchers from across the world.
Beyond its ecological importance, Kanger Valley National Park is deeply intertwined with the culture of the Gond and Dhurwa tribes, who have lived in harmony with nature for generations. Their traditional dances, folk songs, and bamboo handicrafts are integral to the region’s cultural identity, making the park not only a natural heritage site but also a center of indigenous traditions.
