Mon Sep 30 17:37:18 UTC 2024: ## India Aims to Boost Geological Heritage Recognition on Global Stage

**New Delhi, India:** The Indian government is actively pursuing recognition for ten geological sites as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, aiming to highlight the country’s rich geological history and scientific significance.

Mines Secretary V L Kantha Rao stated that while India boasts 42 World Heritage Sites, none are dedicated to geology. He highlighted the importance of these sites, explaining that they offer invaluable insights into the Earth’s evolution.

The government is particularly focused on promoting two geo-parks in the near future. Currently, India has 32 National Geological Heritage Monument Sites, often recognized for their tourism potential but not fully appreciated for their geological significance. To address this, the government is pushing for the Geo Heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill, 2022, which aims to provide legal protection for these sites.

Rao further emphasized the potential of Indian sites to become UNESCO Global Geoparks, recognizing not just geological features, but also the cultural connection to the land. He expressed hope for UNESCO’s support in achieving this goal.

Among the potential sites under consideration for World Heritage status are the Lunar crater in Maharashtra, the Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh, the Columnar Basalt at St. Mary’s Island in Karnataka, and the Gandikota gorge in Andhra Pradesh. These sites represent a diverse range of geological formations, offering a window into the Earth’s past.

This initiative marks a significant step towards recognizing the importance of geological heritage, not only for scientific research but also for understanding our planet’s evolution and its connection to human history.

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