Mon Sep 30 17:37:24 UTC 2024: ## India Moves to Protect Geo-Heritage Sites, Aims for World Heritage Recognition

**New Delhi, India** – The Indian government is taking steps to protect the country’s rich geological heritage, aiming to list some sites as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Ministry of Mines announced that 10 geological sites submitted to the Archaeological Survey of India are under review for potential World Heritage status.

Currently, India boasts 42 World Heritage Sites, but none are geological in nature. To address this, the government is pushing forward the Geo Heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill, 2022, which seeks to establish a framework for protecting and managing these sites.

“There are over 1,200 World Heritage Sites worldwide, and we need to work together to ensure India’s geological heritage is recognized,” said Mines Secretary VL Kantha Rao. He highlighted the goal of recognizing at least two geoparks in India in the coming years.

India possesses numerous impressive geo-heritage sites, such as the Gandikota Gorge in Andhra Pradesh, the Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh, and the Lonar Crater in Maharashtra. While these sites are popular tourist destinations, their immense geological significance remains largely unknown. The government hopes to increase awareness and preserve these valuable geological treasures.

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