Krem Puri: World’s longest sandstone cave discovered in Meghalaya

The world’s longest sandstone cave named Krem Puri was discovered near Laitsohum village in Mawsynram area in East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The cave is 24,583 metres (24.5 km) in length and is known for its complex cave systems hidden under its undulating hills. It was discovered in 2016 but its actual length was found during expedition to measure and map it by Meghalaya Adventurers’ Association (MAA)

Krem Puri

Krem Puri underground cavern is more than 6,000 metres longer than world record-holder Cueva Del Saman in Edo Zulia, Venezuela, a quartzite sandstone cave measuring 18,200 metres (18.2km). This sandstone cave is also India’s second longest cave in general category after limestone Krem Liat Prah-Umim-Labit system measuring little over 31 km in Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. Krem Puri cave system also has fossils of dinosaurs, especially Mosasaurus, a giant reptile that lived 66-76 million years ago.

Background

There are whereabouts of more than 1,650 caves and cave locations in Meghalaya, of which over 1,000 have been explored or partially explored. According to official data, the northeastern state has 491km of surveyed caves and many more are waiting to be discovered. Krem in Khasi language means cave. Mawsynram is known as wettest place on earth for its record-breaking rainfall.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2018