Read the rocks to improve India’s geological literacy

Read the rocks to improve India’s geological literacy

Sub: Geography

Sec: Geomorphology

India’s Geological Diversity and Heritage:

• India showcases a diverse morphology with landscapes ranging from the world’s greatest peaks to low-lying coastal plains.
• The country features a variety of rocks, minerals, and distinctive fossil assemblages that tell the geological history of India.
• These geological features are part of India’s non-cultural heritage and serve as educational spaces for geological literacy.

Scant Traction in Geological Conservation:

• Geological conservation in India aims to preserve the best examples of geological features for future generations.
• Despite international progress, geo-conservation has not gained much traction in India.
• Many fossil-bearing sites have been destroyed due to development, real estate growth, and destructive stone mining activities.
• The magnitude of stone-mining operations covers more than 10% of India’s total area.
• Important geological sites, like the Dhala meteoritic impact crater (Shivpuri, Madhya Pradesh) and the Lonar crater (Buldhana district of Maharashtra), are not widely known or protected.

Importance of Shared Geological Heritage:

• The importance of shared geological heritage was first recognized in 1991 at a UNESCO-sponsored event ‘First International Symposium on the Conservation of our Geological Heritage’ in Digne, France.
• The event endorsed the concept of a shared legacy and foresaw the establishment of geo-parks to commemorate unique geological features and educate the public.

Development of Geo-heritage Sites Worldwide:

• Countries like Canada, China, Spain, the United States, and the United Kingdom have developed geo-heritage sites as national parks.
• UNESCO has prepared guidelines for the development of geo-parks.
• Many countries have legislation to protect and designate geo-parks, with Europe celebrating its geological heritage across 73 zones.
• Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam have implemented laws to conserve their geological and natural heritage.
• Although India is a signatory, it lacks legislation or policy for geo-heritage conservation.

Need for Sustainable Conservation Approaches:

• India has formulated approaches to protect biodiversity, such as the Biological Diversity Act of 2002, resulting in 18 notified biosphere reserves.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has notified 34 geological monuments but lacks regulatory powers for preservation.
• An example is the cliff in Varkala, in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala, declared a geological heritage site but partially demolished due to landslide hazards.

Half-hearted Measures and the Way Forward:

• The Government of India attempted to address these concerns by proposing a National Commission for Heritage Sites in 2009, but the Bill was withdrawn.
• In 2022, the Ministry of Mines prepared a draft Bill for preservation and maintenance, but no progress has been made.
• India needs to create an inventory of prospective geo-sites, frame geo-conservation legislation, and establish a National Geo-Conservation Authority.
• The new authority should avoid red tape and respect the autonomy of researchers and private collectors.

Geo-Heritage Site/National Geological Monuments:

• Geoheritage refers to sites or areas with significant scientific, educational, cultural, or aesthetic value due to their geological features.
• These sites may have unique rock formations, fossils, or landscapes that are important for education, research, cultural significance, or visual appeal. They can also contribute to local and regional economies as tourist destinations.
• GSI or the respective State governments take necessary measures to protect these sites.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/national geological monuments for protection and maintenance.
• GSI is a scientific agency that was founded in 1851 to find coal deposits for the Railways. The GSI is headquartered in Kolkata and is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines. Its main functions include creating and updating national geoscientific information and assessing mineral resources.

List of 34 Geo-Heritage sites in India:

Source: TH