Construction Works related to tourism infrastructure inside Green Cave located in Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar district have drawn scrutiny after official records, scientific studies and inspection observations highlighted the ecological sensitivity of the cave ecosystem. Documents and research references examined by ‘The Hitavada’ indicate that the cave supports significant biodiversity and forms part of a fragile subterranean ecosystem within the limestone cave landscape of the national park. One of the key scientific references is a research paper published in Ambient Science (2024) documenting biodiversity recorded inside Green Cave. According to the study, the cave extends nearly 94 metres in length with an approximate vertical depth of about 17 metres, forming part of the karst cave system characteristic of the Kanger Valley region. The scientific study records the presence of several species associated with the cave ecosystem including bats, amphibians and invertebrates adapted to subterranean habitats. Among the most notable species documented inside the cave is Megaderma lyra, commonly known as the Greater False Vampire Bat, observed roosting inside the cave chamber. The study notes that this species had not previously been reported from caves within Kanger Valley National Park. Apart from bats, the biodiversity survey also documented several fauna linked to cave habitats such as the Small Indian Civet, Fungoid Frog, cave crickets, cave moths, snails, millipedes and other invertebrates that thrive in dark and humid cave environments. These organisms depend on stable ecological conditions and nutrient cycles often supported by bat guano and organic deposits within cave systems.

 

Scientists studying cave ecosystems note that such environments are extremely sensitive to disturbance. Even relatively minor changes in light exposure, visitor movement, artificial structures or alteration of water flow patterns may disrupt the ecological balance of subterranean habitats and affect species dependent on stable cave microclimates. The study also highlights that the Green Cave ecosystem remains strongly influenced by natural environmental processes, particularly seasonal rainwater flow entering through the cave entrance. During monsoon periods, rainwater runoff moves through the cave floor carrying sediments and organic material which contribute to the cave’s nutrient dynamics and microhabitat conditions. Records examined by this newspaper also refer to an inspection conducted on January 18, 2026 by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Monitoring and Evaluation) during a visit to Kanger Valley National Park. According to the inspection note, forest staff informed the visiting officer that the Green Cave is also known to serve as a habitat used by bears. Wildlife experts note that caves and rock shelters in forested landscapes often function as temporary resting sites for Sloth Bears (Melursus ursinus), a species commonly found in the forests of Bastar. Such natural cavities provide cool shelter during daytime hours and may also serve as seasonal refuge or movement corridors within the animal’s habitat range. The inspection observations reportedly suggested that the cave should ideally be preserved in its natural state and indicated that opening it for tourism may not be advisable considering its ecological sensitivity. Documents examined also refer to statutory provisions governing activities inside forest areas. A communication issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF) on October 25, 2021 clarifies that eco-tourism facilities permitted in forest areas must remain non-permanent in nature. Permanent construction inside forest land may be treated as non-forestry activity requiring approval under Forest Conservation Act, 1980. Meanwhile, Raipur-based environmentalist and conservationist Nitin Singhvi has filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) before the Chhattisgarh High Court seeking judicial intervention. The petition seeks directions for a comprehensive multi-disciplinary scientific and environmental impact assessment before any construction or tourism activity is allowed at Green Cave in Kanger Valley National Park.

 

The observations were subsequently communicated to senior forest authorities including the park administration.