Gandikota in AP among 10 geological sites nominated for World Heritage status

New Delhi: Names of 10 geological sites including Gandikota Gorge in Andhra Pradesh sent to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) for inclusion in the list of World Heritage Sites are under scrutiny.

Gandikota, a seat for many powerful dynasties

Gandikota is a village and historical fort on the right bank of the Penna River in Kadapa district.

The fort was the centre of power for various dynasties, such as the Kalyani Chalukyas, Pemmasani Nayakas, and the Golconda Sultanate. A sand fort was constructed by Kaka Raja, vassals of Kalyani Chalukya rulers.

Various additions in the form of Islamic architecture were made during subsequent Muslim rule. The fort is a centrally protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India. The fort of Gandikota acquired its name due to the gorge, formed between the Erramala range of hills, also known as Gandikota hills and the river Penna.

Recently, Tavva Obul Reddy, a Mydukur-based historian, discovered a copper plate inscription on the history of Gandikota Fort. The inscription dates to the 16th century.

1,200 World Heritage Sites globally

According to the Geological Survey of India, there are about 100 geo-heritage sites, out of which 32 have been recognised as National Geological Monuments. Unlike archaeological sites, there is no legislation to protect geo-heritage sites. However, the Geo Heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill, 2022, which aims to protect India’s geological heritage, is under process.

Speaking at an event, Mines secretary VL Kantha Rao said that there are about 1,200 World Heritage Sites in the world, out of which 42 are in India and none of these are geological sites.

“We need to work together,” the secretary said and stressed the recognition of at least two geoparks in the coming years in India.

India has excellent geo-heritage sites like Lunar crater in Maharashtra, Bhedaghat in Madhya Pradesh and Gandikota Gorge in Andhra Pradesh. But these are known mostly as tourist sites and people are not aware of their geological importance. There is another global designation known as International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) sites and some of the sites have been recognised in Sikkim.

UNESCO Global Geoparks

“All these recognitions should lead to benefits for common people and he requested UNESCO to provide support in getting recognition to some of the Indian sites as UNESCO Global Geopark,” Rao opined.

The UNESCO Global Geopark is the most recent UNESCO site designation that recognises sites that showcase not only the earth’s geological past but celebrate cultural connections to the land, becoming hubs of pride and economic growth for the people who call them home.

At present, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries.

Adopted under the International Geopark Programme (IGGP) in 2015, UNESCO Global Geoparks recognise and preserve geological heritage of international significance, promoting sustainable development and enhancing local community engagement through geo-tourism and education.