ASI Submits 10 Geological Sites In India For Inclusion On The UNESCO World Heritage List

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has sent a list of 10 geological sites to the Indian government for inclusion in UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites.

There are about 100 geo-heritage sites, out of which 32 have been recognised as National Geological Monuments. However, unlike archaeological sites, there is no legislation to protect geo-heritage sites. A Geo Heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill, 2022, which aims to protect India's geological heritage, is under process, Ministry of Mines secretary V L Kantha Rao said at an event on Sunday.

Rao said that there are about 1,200 world heritage sites in the world, out of which 42 are in India and none of which are geological sites. He said the country has excellent geo-heritage sites like the Lonar crater in Maharashtra, Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh and the Gandikota gorge in Andhra Pradesh, but these are known mostly as tourism sites and people are not aware of their geological importance. Each of these geological monuments offers invaluable insights into the history of Earth science, serving as markers of our planet’s evolutionary history.

Another global designation known as the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) have listed sites that have been recognised in Sikkim, Rao said. All these recognitions should lead to benefits for the common people and he requested UNESCO to provide support in getting recognition to some of the Indian sites as a UNESCO Global Geopark.

Adopted under the International Geopark Programme (IGGP) in 2015, UNESCO Global Geoparks recognise and preserve geological heritage of international significance, promote sustainable development, and enhance local community engagement through geo-tourism and education. At present, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries.

(With inputs from multiple news reports)