Tourism Sector

Geo-Heritage Sites in India

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Geo-Heritage Sites in India

Mains level: NA

Why in the news

  • Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel predating the Himalayan hills, has been officially designated as Telangana’s sole Geo-heritage site.
  • Also the 165 million-year-old meteor Ramgarh Crater in Rajasthan was declared geo-heritage site.

[A] Pandavula Gutta

  • Pandavula Gutta is located in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District in Telangana.
  • It is known for its rock art and geological heritage.
  • The site features Paleolithic cave paintings depicting wildlife and symbols.
  • Discovered in 1990, it showcases habitation from the mesolithic to medieval times.
  • Recognized as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana, older than the Himalayan hills.

 

[B] Ramgarh Crater

  • The Ramgarh Crater, also known as Ramgarh structure, Ramgarh Dome, and Ramgarh astrobleme, is a meteor impact crater located near the town of Ramgarh in Baran district of Rajasthan.
  • It is established as an asteroid impact crater in India, excavated within sandstone, shale, and limestone horizons of the Lower Bhander Group of the Vindhyan Region.
  • It was formed by a meteorite impact, with a diameter of 3.2 kilometers and an elevation of over 200 meters above the surrounding terrain.
  • It is declared Conservation Reserve, namely Ramgarh Conservation Reserve, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.

 

What are Geo-Heritage Sites?

  • Geo-Heritage Sites in India are geological features of significant importance, either culturally or inherently, that provide insights into the Earth’s evolution or serve educational purposes.
  • These sites are recognized and protected by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the respective State governments.
  • India presently has 34 National Geological Heritage Monument Sites.
  • Examples:
    1. Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya
    2. Majuli Island in Assam
    3. Chabimura in Tripura
  • Purpose:
    1. Promote geotourism
    2. Preserve unique geological formations
    3. Enhance geological literacy among the public

 

Tap this link to read more about all Geo-Heritage Parks in India:

https://vikaspedia.in/education/childrens-corner/geological-heritage-sites-of-india


PYQ:

Q.Which one of the following statements is correct?​ (2021)

  1. Ajanta Caves lie in the gorge of Waghora River.​
  2. Sanchi Stupa lies in the gorge of Chambal River.​
  3. Pandu-Lena Cave Shrines lie in the gorge of Narmada River.​
  4. Amaravati Stupa lies in the gorge of Godavari River.​

Practice MCQ:

Which of the given statements about the Ramgarh Structure is NOT correct?

  1. It is an asteroid impact crater.
  2. It is located in the Deccan Plateau.
  3. It is a notified wetland under Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules, 2017.
  4. It is under Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

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