Tehran, 25 July 2007 (CHN) – Once again today the activity of ICHHTO for creating a hole in Chal Nakhjir 70 million years cave was stopped by the Department of Environment of Markazi province.

Chal Nakhjir Cave

Announcing this news, Mohammad Bagher Sadouq, director of Department of Environment of Markazi province told CHN: "Our staffs rushed to the place right after they were informed about the destructive activities in the cave which unfortunately resulted in some physical struggle with the workmen."

Regarding the measures which have been undertaken so far for stopping this destructive activity in Chal Nakhjir cave forever, Sadouq said: "Today we had some negotiations with the Markazi Governor Office. They also disapprove such illegal activity and based on agreements reached in this regard, we are determined to stop the destructive activities by taking the case to the court. The judge has also ruled for stopping the activities and we have also succeeded in getting the permission of the court for arresting the contractor of this project.

Located in an area called by the same name, eight kilometers distance of Delijan city in Iranian central province of Markazi, water-soil cave of Chal Nakhjir belongs to the third geological epoch, which is some 70 million years ago. It is well-known for its exceptional white dolomite sediments, covering the floors and major corridors of the cave. Its floor and walls are bristled with crystallized minerals. Chal Nakhjir is one of the most interesting caves in the world and one of the tourism attractions of Markazi province which enjoys the potential to become an exceptional site for tourists from inside and outside the country. The cave has been also registered as a Natural Heritage site in list of Iran's National Heritage Sites.

In an inexpert program, ICHHTO has started to dig a hole in order to create an exit path for visitors. The project was started on 18th of July which was stopped by the provincial Department of Environment and today contractor of ICHHTO tried to resume the project which confronted with severe disagreement of the provincial Department of Environment.

... Payvand News - 7/27/07 ...