India’s Geological-Heritage Sites
Kartavya Desk Staff
Syllabus: Geography/ Arts and Culture
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Context: India’s extensive geo-heritage, ranging from towering peaks to coastal plains, reveals a rich geological history. Despite this, the country’s regard for its geo-heritage is poor.
About Geo-heritage Sites:
Geo-heritage refers to the geological features which are inherently or culturally significant offering insight into earth’s evolution or history to earth science or that can be utilized for education. Sites are designated as Geo-heritage Sites (GHS) by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). India, as a member of the UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, safeguards such sites through appropriate legislation, as done by other countries worldwide.
What are Geo-Relics?
Geo-relics are geological formations, rocks, minerals, and fossils that provide significant scientific, educational, and historical insights into the Earth’s history and processes. They include unique and rare geological features that help us understand the evolution of our planet, climate changes, and the development of life. Preserving geo-relics is crucial for studying natural history and educating future generations.
Examples:
Category | Site Name | Location | Significance
Geo-Heritage | Lonar Crater | Buldhana District, Maharashtra | Hyper-velocity impact craters formed around 576,000 years ago.
Geo-Heritage | Bhimbetka Rock Shelters | Raisen District, Madhya Pradesh | Natural rock formations with prehistoric cave paintings.
Geo-Heritage | St. Mary’s Islands | Udupi District, Karnataka | Columnar basaltic lava formations, are over 60 million years old.
Geo-Heritage | Ambenali Ghat | Maharashtra | Exposed Deccan Trap formations showcasing volcanic activity.
Geo-Relics | Fossil Park | Sirmaur District, Himachal Pradesh | Fossilized remains of ancient trees from the Shiwalik range.
Geo-Relics | Akal Fossil Wood Park | Jaisalmer District, Rajasthan | Fossilized tree trunks dating back to the Jurassic period.
Geo-Relics | Varkala Cliff | Thiruvananthapuram District, Kerala | Sedimentary formations with fossils dating millions of years.
Geo-Relics | Jhamarkotra Rock Phosphate | Udaipur District, Rajasthan | Mineral deposits with significant geological history.
Geo-Relics | Salkhan Fossil Park | Sonbhadra District, Uttar Pradesh | Fossilized tree trunks from the Upper Jurassic period.
Geo-Relics | Mandla Plant Fossils National Park | Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh | Fossilized plants from the Mesozoic era, around 40-150 million years old.
These sites and relics contribute to the scientific understanding of Earth’s history and processes in several ways:
• Geological Evolution: Geo-heritage sites and relics provide a window into the Earth’s past, allowing scientists to reconstruct the geological history of a region. Fossils, rock layers, and mineral deposits found in these sites offer insights into ancient ecosystems, climate changes, and geological events. E.g. The Siwalik Fossil Park in Himachal Pradesh
• Fossils, rock layers, and mineral deposits found in these sites offer insights into ancient ecosystems, climate changes, and geological events.
• E.g. The Siwalik Fossil Park in Himachal Pradesh
• Plate Tectonics and Continental Drift: Certain geological formations and features found at geo-heritage sites provide evidence for plate tectonics and the movement of continents over time. These sites help scientists understand the dynamic processes that have shaped the Earth’s surface. For instance, Deccan Traps.
• For instance, Deccan Traps.
• Volcanic and Tectonic Activity: Volcanic landscapes, fault lines, and igneous formations found at geo-heritage sites offer insights into the processes of volcanic and tectonic activity, shedding light on the Earth’s internal forces and their effects on the surface. E.g. Lonar Lake in Maharashtra.
• E.g. Lonar Lake in Maharashtra.
• Paleoenvironmental Studies: Fossilized plants, animals, and other organic materials preserved in geological formations provide clues about past environments, ecosystems, and biodiversity. These records contribute to our understanding of how life on Earth has evolved. E.g. fossil-rich sedimentary rock formations of Jaisalmer.
• E.g. fossil-rich sedimentary rock formations of Jaisalmer.
• Climate Change and Earth’s History: The study of sedimentary rock layers and glacial features in geo-heritage sites helps scientists reconstruct past climates and understand the Earth’s history of climatic changes. The Lignite Fossil Park in Gujarat contains well-preserved fossilized wood and leaves.
• The Lignite Fossil Park in Gujarat contains well-preserved fossilized wood and leaves.
• Mineralogical and Geological Processes: Geo-heritage sites often host unique mineral deposits, crystals, and rock formations that offer insights into geological processes such as mineral formation, erosion, and metamorphism. For example, The mineral-rich caves of Meghalaya, like the Mawsmai Cave
• For example, The mineral-rich caves of Meghalaya, like the Mawsmai Cave
Difficulties in Preserving Geological Sites in India
• Limited Traction and Awareness: Geo-conservation lags global efforts and lacks public awareness. Examples: Dhala meteoritic impact crater, Lonar crater.
• Impact of Development and Mining: Many fossil sites are destroyed by development and mining activities.
• Lack of Specific Legislation: No specific laws for geo-heritage conservation, unlike Canada and China.
• Lack of Adequate Power The Geological Survey of India (GSI) identified sites but can’t enforce preservation. Example: Varkala Cliff was partially demolished despite being a heritage site.
• Half-hearted Government Measures: Withdrawal of National Commission for Heritage Sites proposal. No progress on the 2022 geo-heritage preservation bill.
Way Forward and Conclusion
India should recognize its geological history as non-cultural heritage and compile a comprehensive list of potential geo-sites beyond those identified by the Geological Survey of India. Legislation for geo-conservation, modelled after the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, is essential. Additionally, a National Geo-Conservation Authority should be established to ensure independent oversight, avoid bureaucratic delays, and protect the autonomy of researchers and private collectors.
About the Geological Survey of India:
Headquartered in Kolkata, it was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways. Presently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines. The main functions of the GSI relate to the creation and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
Mains Link:
Q.1 Safeguarding the Indian Art Heritage is the need of the moment. Discuss. (UPSC 2018)
Prelims Link:
Q1. Consider the following historical places:
• Ajanta Caves
• Lepakshi Temple
• Sanchi Stupa
Which of the above places is/are also known for mural paintings?
(a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) None
Ans: (b)