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Varkala Cliff: A Geo-Heritage Site at Risk

  • December 15, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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Varkala Cliff: A Geo-Heritage Site at Risk

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate Change

Why in News

  • The National Green Tribunal (NGT) recently called for a status report from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and other authorities on the deteriorating condition of Varkala Cliff, a geo-heritage site in Kerala. Concerns have arisen due to the impact of unregulated tourism and climate change on the sensitive geological formation.

About Varkala Cliff:

  • Varkala Cliff, located near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, is the largest geo-heritage site in the state.
  • It was designated as India’s 27th National Geological Monument in 2014 by the GSI.
  • The cliff offers stunning views of Varkala Beach and serves as a unique feature in Kerala’s otherwise flat coastline.
  • The cliff is part of the Warkalli Formation, dating back to the Mio-Pliocene epoch (5.3 million years ago).
  • Layers of laterite, sandstone, and carbonaceous clay form its structure, creating a rich ecosystem with diverse microhabitats.
  • The sandstone beneath acts as an aquifer, supplying high-quality water to nearby areas.
  • The cliff is a hub for tourism, often called a ‘mini-Goa’ for its unpolluted and serene environment.
  • It is also significant historically, as Sri Narayana Guru promoted his inclusive religious philosophy here.

Factors Leading to Degradation:

  • Unregulated Tourism: Unplanned development on the cliff has led to extensive unauthorized construction, including resorts, cafes, and parking spaces.
  • Coastal Erosion and Climate Change: Large-scale port constructions at Kovalam and Vizhinjam have worsened coastal erosion, making Varkala a refuge for displaced tourists.
  • Waste Mismanagement: Many eateries lack proper waste disposal systems, leading to wastewater seepage that erodes the cliff base.
  • Violation of Regulations: Varkala is part of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 3B, restricting construction within 200 meters of the High Tide Line.

What Are Geo-Heritage Sites?

  • Geo-heritage sites are locations of geological significance that provide insights into the Earth’s evolutionary history, natural processes, and cultural connections.
  • These sites are invaluable for scientific research, education, and tourism. They often feature unique geological formations, fossil beds, mineral deposits, and other significant landforms.
  • The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is the primary authority for identifying and safeguarding these sites to preserve them for future generations.

Geo-Heritage Sites in India:

State/UTGeo-Heritage SiteSignificance
KeralaLaterite formations, AngadipuramUnique rock formations showcasing tropical weathering.
 Varkala Cliff Section, ThiruvananthapuramCoastal cliffs exposing sedimentary rock formations.
Tamil NaduFossil wood near TiruvakkaraiFossilized wood dating back to the Cretaceous period.
 National Fossil Wood Park, SattanurPreserved fossilized trees from the Jurassic era.
 Charnockite outcrops, St. Thomas Mount, ChennaiRare rock type significant for its geological history.
MaharashtraLonar Lake, Buldhana DistrictCrater lake formed by a meteorite impact during the Pleistocene.
GujaratSedimentary structures, Kadan Dam, PanchmahalsFeatures showcasing sediment deposition over time.
RajasthanStromatolite Fossil Parks, Udaipur and ChittorgarhFossilized stromatolites representing ancient microbial activity.
 Akal Fossil Wood Park, JaisalmerFossilized wood from the Jurassic period.
 Great Boundary Fault, Bundi DistrictA key tectonic feature marking a significant crustal movement.
KarnatakaColumnar lava formations, St. Mary’s IslandBasaltic lava formations formed during volcanic activity.
 Peninsular Gneiss, Lalbagh, BangaloreOldest known rock formations in Peninsular India.
OdishaPillow lava formations, Nomira, Keonjhar DistrictLava structures formed under water millions of years ago.
JharkhandPlant fossil beds of Rajmahal Formation, SahibganjFossilized plants from the Jurassic period.
Himachal PradeshSiwalik Fossil Park, Sirmour DistrictFossils of mammals and reptiles from the Siwalik Hills.
NagalandNaga Hill Ophiolite, PungroRare ophiolite complex, remnants of oceanic crust.
SikkimStromatolite-bearing dolomite, Mamley, South DistrictDolomite rocks with fossilized microbial activity.
Environment Varkala Cliff: A Geo-Heritage Site at Risk

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