Heritage dream of Edakkal Caves in Wayanad fades as efforts falter

Ambalavayal: The long-cherished dream of securing UNESCO heritage status for the Edakkal Caves appears increasingly distant, with all efforts in that direction having come to a standstill. Though an application was submitted years ago and follow-up actions were undertaken initially, there has been no progress in recent times.

Based on the application, a UNESCO team specialising in rock art had once visited the site and conducted an inspection, raising hopes of international recognition. However, that momentum has since fizzled out and no activities are currently underway to pursue the heritage tag.

The Edakkal Caves are home to the highest concentration of Brahmi script inscriptions in Kerala, along with rock engravings of humans, animals, wheels and carts. When considering a site for heritage status, factors such as uniqueness and rarity are given more weight than age alone.

Although rock art has been found in other parts of Wayanad, including the Thovarimala hill (Ezhuthupara), what makes Edakkal exceptional is the sheer scale and detail of the petroglyphs that are etched across an expansive rock face, unlike anywhere else in the district.

With the aim of preserving the site for heritage recognition, trekking to the hilltop was banned a few years ago. Steel ladders were constructed for regulated entry and exit and a 300-meter radius around the caves was declared a protected area to ensure the safety of the ancient artwork and inscriptions.

If heritage status is granted, the Edakkal Caves would gain a prominent spot on the global tourism map, drawing international attention and providing a significant boost to tourism in Wayanad. The site would also receive UNESCO’s special protection, ensuring better conservation and global recognition.

However, it now appears that efforts to secure heritage recognition will have to start afresh from scratch.