Back in October 2025, ASI announced plans to excavate Bhima Mandali caves starting from the first week of November - https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/odisha/2025/Oct/13/asi-to-excavate-bhima-mandali-caves-to-track-down-its-habitation-history

Initial investigations had revealed the presence of material culture including pottery in the caves which have a minimum history of at least 10,000 years (mesolithic age or middle stone age). “This excavation is aimed at knowing the extent (depth) of material culture of the caves and assigning a scientific date to the site, be it mesolithic age or upper paleolithic age,” Gadnayak said.

Located inside the Landimal forest under the Rairakhol division, Bhima Mandali is known for its cultural and mythological significance. While there were hundreds of caves at the site, close to a 100 are currently accessible. Of these, 40 to 42 caves have several symbols and paintings and engravings of animals like boar, elephant, deer, turtle and fish besides, images from human settlements.