Mentors’ comment: India, with its landscapes ranging from the world’s highest peaks to low-lying coastal plains, showcases a diverse morphology that has evolved over billions of years. Numerous locations feature a variety of rocks, minerals, and distinctive fossil assemblages. These geological features and landscapes reveal spectacular ‘origin’ stories based on scientific interpretations rather than mythology. India’s tumultuous geological past is etched in its rocks and terrains and should be regarded as part of our non-cultural heritage. The country offers many such examples. Geo-heritage sites serve as educational spaces where people can gain much-needed geological literacy, especially given India’s generally poor regard for this legacy.

Let’s learn!

Why in the news?

India’s turbulent geological history is captured in its rocks and landscapes and should be regarded as part of our non-cultural heritage.

Scant Traction in India:

• Lack of Awareness and Importance: Despite international advancements in geological conservation, India has not prioritized geo-conservation, with many fossil-bearing sites destroyed due to development and real estate growth.
• Destructive Activities: Stone mining activities, covering more than 10% of India’s total area, have led to significant destruction of geological sites, undermining the preservation of these natural laboratories.
• Neglect of Geological Heritage: There is a paradox in India’s approach—seeking evidence of early life on Mars while destroying crucial geological evidence within its own territory, such as the little-known Dhala meteoritic impact crater.
• Absence of Legislation: India lacks specific legislation or policies to protect geo-heritage, despite being a signatory to international agreements advocating geological conservation.

Half-hearted Measures:

• Abandoned Legislation Attempts: In 2009, a Bill to constitute a National Commission for Heritage Sites was introduced but later withdrawn, indicating a lack of commitment to geo-heritage conservation.
• Ineffective Notification by GSI: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has notified 34 geological monuments but lacks regulatory power to enforce preservation measures, leading to threats against these sites.
• Draft Bill with No Progress: In 2022, the Ministry of Mines drafted a Bill for the preservation and maintenance of geo-heritage sites, but there has been no further progress, reflecting a lack of urgency and follow-through.
• Recent Cliff Demolition Example: The demolition of part of the Varkala cliff, a designated geological heritage site, by the district administration citing landslide hazards highlights the inadequate protection and respect for such sites.

Impact:

• Loss of Scientific Knowledge: The destruction of fossil-bearing sites and other geological features due to development, real estate growth, and stone mining activities results in the permanent loss of invaluable scientific data. This hampers the understanding of India’s geological history and reduces opportunities for education and research in earth sciences.
• Erosion of Cultural and Natural Heritage: Neglecting geological conservation undermines India’s rich natural heritage, which is integral to the country’s identity. The demolition of sites like the Varkala Cliff demonstrates a disregard for preserving unique geological formations that are part of India’s natural legacy.
• Missed Economic Opportunities: Geo-heritage sites have the potential to attract tourism, contributing to local and national economies. The lack of legislative protection and promotion of these sites means missed opportunities for sustainable tourism development, which could generate income and create jobs while educating the public about the importance of geological conservation.

Way forward: 

• Legislative Framework for Geo-Conservation: Enact specific legislation to protect and conserve geo-heritage sites, similar to the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. This legislation should establish clear guidelines for the preservation, management, and sustainable use of geo-heritage sites, ensuring they are protected from destructive activities and development pressures.
• National Geo-Conservation Authority: Establish a National Geo-Conservation Authority to oversee the identification, protection, and promotion of geo-heritage sites.  
• Promotion of Geo-Tourism: Develop and promote geo-heritage sites as sustainable tourism destinations. This includes investing in infrastructure, providing educational resources, and marketing these sites to attract both domestic and international tourists.  

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