The Central government has stated that the names of 10 geological sites that were submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India in order to be listed as world heritage sites are being reviewed.
Of the approximately 100 geo-heritage sites, 32 have been listed as National Geological Monuments.
There is no legislation protecting geo-heritage sites, in contrast to archaeological sites.
Mines Secretary VL Kantha Rao stated that the Geo Heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill, 2022, which seeks to safeguard India’s geological heritage, is now in the process.
Rao said at an event in New Delhi that there are over 1,200 World Heritage Sites worldwide, 42 of which are in India, and none of these are geological sites.
“We need to work together,” the secretary said and highlighted the recognition of at least two geoparks in coming years in India, Geological Survey of India said in a statement.
According to Rao, India has outstanding geo-heritage sites such as the Gandikota Gorge in Andhra Pradesh, the Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh, and the Lonar Crater in Maharashtra.
However, most people only associate them with tourism, and their geological significance is unknown.
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