CHIBANDA

Herbert Daniel Gebauer - 06/01/2018

Steep walls of arenaceous sandstone enclose the irregularly shaped collapse doline (estimated to be about 20 by 8 m wide, 4 m deep). The closed depression is characterised by an almost level floor and a shallow pool (note 1), which is noted for it's untouchable, possibly sacred fish (carp?). SITUATION: At the lower rim of a thin limestone outcrop (note 2) and in the upper reaches of the Chibanda stream (note 3). APPROACH 2003: To reach the area, walk from the Asakgre- Imandura IB (N25°20'16.6”: E090°30'51.0”) past the Nokpanthe (N25°20'23.1”: E090°30'44.4”), the abandoned (disappeared without a trace) site of Asakgre Songacham (N25°20'51.0”: E090°31'13.9”) and across the Khimrang River (N25°20'52.7”: E090°31'13.3”) to the (makeshift?) cattlefarm (N25°21'02.3”: E090°31'18.0”) run by Nepali cowboys. Beyond the cattle farm, the area continues into the low hills (rising some 30 m above shallow valleys) characterised by shifting clearings, young jungles, and plenty ofwild elephant droppings. Here, a guide is essential due to the lack of permanent obvious landmarks. APPROACH 2009: A local guide [is] essential to explain the whereabouts of Chibandakol as it lies at an inexplicable location somewhere near Asakgre (Harper, Rob 2008.02.08 Mss: Chibandakol.pdf). CAVE LIFE - Pisces: The six or eight individuals of large and sensitive fish, in Garo called something along the lines of Longar (or so), which I have seen emerging from the exsurgence, are up to an estimated 40 cm long and were said to grows as thick as a man's calve. If I am not mistaken, the fish has two pairs of lateral fins near the bottom, and keep their faces towards the cave's darkness and against the minimal current of the water -- as if ready for a quick retreat. They have a very keen sense of hearing and shy away when somebody speaks. They are not hunted but the young (small) ones accepted biscuit crumbs.wild elephant droppings. Here, a guide is essential due to the lack of permanent obvious landmarks. APPROACH 2009: A local guide [is] essential to explain the whereabouts of Chibandakol as it lies at an inexplicable location somewhere near Asakgre (Harper, Rob 2008.02.08 Mss: Chibandakol.pdf). CAVE LIFE - Pisces: The six or eight individuals of large and sensitive fish, in Garo called something along the lines of Longar (or so), which I have seen emerging from the exsurgence, are up to an estimated 40 cm long and were said to grows as thick as a man's calve. If I am not mistaken, the fish has two pairs of lateral fins near the bottom, and keep their faces towards the cave's darkness and against the minimal current of the water -- as if ready for a quick retreat. They have a very keen sense of hearing and shy away when somebody speaks. They are not hunted but the young (small) ones accepted biscuit crumbs.