An Insightful Exploration of Geoheritage Concerns in India and the Necessity of Geoconservation

International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Development Issue 15, Vol.6, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijeted/ijeted_index.htm ISSN 2249-6149 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17688746 Original Article @2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 76 An Insightful Exploration of Geoheritage Concerns in India and the Necessity of Geoconservation Darshana Pratap 1 and Pratap V. Nair 2 1 Former HR Manager, Cognizant Technology Solutions Corporation 2 Retired Exploration Petroleum Geologist, Devidarshan, Kawdiar, Thiruvananthapuram - 695003, Kerala, India Corresponding Author: Pratap V Nair;  vpratapnai[email protected] Corresponding Author: Pratap V Nair;  [email protected] International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Development Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijeted/ijeted_index.htm ISSN 2249-6149 ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT ©2025 RS Publication Paper ID: IJETED692160FD27203 Received: 2025-10-24 Published: 2025-11-23 DOI: https://dx.doi.org /10.5281/zenodo.17 688746 Page No: 76-80 India is a vast country with a profound geological heritage spanning geological epochs. The wealth of geological diversity, coupled with cultural heritage, positions India as the home to numerous geoheritage sites. The landscape varies from majestic mountain ranges to flat coastal areas. Various regions showcase a variety of rocks, minerals, and unique fossil assemblages, which offer scientific insights into their origins through geological studies. Nevertheless, only 34 locations have been officially recognized as geoheritage sites thus far. This paper examines the current state of conservation of geological monuments in India and proposes strategies that could enhance the nation's economic development as an added incentive for geoconservation. Key words : India, Geoheritage, Geoconservation, Geotourism, Geoethics Cite This Paper: PRATAP V NAIR AND DARSHANA PRATAP (2025). "An Insightful Exploration of Geoheritage Concerns in India and the Necessity of Geoconservation". INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EMERGING TRENDS IN ENGINEERING AND DEVELOPMENT (IJETED), vol. 15, no. 6, 2025, pp. 76-80. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17688746 International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Development Issue 15, Vol.6, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijeted/ijeted_index.htm ISSN 2249-6149 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17688746 Original Article @2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 77 INTRODUCTION Geoheritage sites, characterized by unique geological formations and notable paleontological importance, offer considerable prospects for geotourism. We assessed the geotourism potential in India through a multidisciplinary approach encompassing photographic evaluations, on-site inspections of morphological features, and accessibility assessments, to determine conservation needs. Utilizing readily accessible geological reports, archaeological documentation, Landsat satellite imagery, Google Earth Engine data, and pertinent government publications available to the public, we endeavoured to comprehend the geoscientific relevance of these geological locations. This evaluation also considered the expected environmental and human-induced threats while identifying vulnerable areas. The attempt is to decipher the measures necessary to preserve the geoheritage of the country, which can add economic value. Problem Statement India’s extensive geoheritage, ranging from gigantic peaks to coastal plains representing the geological time, reveals a rich geological history. However, the country’s neglect of its geologic heritage is deeply concerning. The need of the hour is swift scientific action and sustenance of the momentum created to make this concept a way of life. The efforts need to be undertaken on an emergency basis, as this can add value to the government’s target of making India developed by 2047. Concept of Geoethics, and Geoheritage The introduction of the term 'geoethics' represents geoscientists' efforts to better align their professional responsibilities with the wider societal consequences of geosciences. The three foundational elements of geoethics—the individual geoscientist, the geoscience profession, and society—interact with the planet we inhabit. The obligations of each of these elements towards the earth form the core value proposition of geoethics. The ethical guidelines are designed to minimize the negative impacts of human activities, including those related to leisure and economics, on people's lives. India is currently developing infrastructure to support its swift economic growth. Geoethics, as a burgeoning field within the earth sciences, offers innovative approaches to addressing global environmental challenges. Geoheritage refers to geological features that hold inherent or cultural significance, providing insights into Earth's evolution and history and can be leveraged for educational purposes to understand rock formation. The draft Geoheritage Bill 2022, issued by the Ministry of Mines, defines Geoheritage sites as "locations that contain geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures, and geomorphic landforms, including caves and natural International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Development Issue 15, Vol.6, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijeted/ijeted_index.htm ISSN 2249-6149 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17688746 Original Article @2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 78 rock sculptures of both national and international significance; it also encompasses any adjacent land necessary for their conservation or access to these sites" I . Geoheritage sites, often called geosites, are natural areas of remarkable geological and geomorphological significance. In India, we have identified 34 geoheritage sites, with at least 100 additional locations recognized for potential declaration as Geoheritage Sites (Figure 1). Figure 1: National Geological Monuments of India I Vision for a Paradigm shift in approach Sustainable geotourism practices and conservation models should be implemented as a framework for development. The creation of a legal framework to protect Geoheritages is underscored by its potential to promote sustainable development. Furthermore, this strategy can elevate these areas into premier tourist destinations (geotourism) through the combined efforts of nature conservation and education. The different segments of Indian Stratigraphy, as recorded by M.S. Krishnan in 1949, form the basis of prospective geoheritage locations across geological history II . We have a responsibility to enhance public understanding of the careful and eco-friendly management of these resources, as well as to bolster societal preparedness for geohazards. This is where Geoethics is pertinent to us as responsible geoscientists. Geoethics encourages a comprehensive understanding of resources and ecosystems, advocating ethical perspectives and a commitment to environmental stewardship. In this regard, the Geological Survey of India International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Development Issue 15, Vol.6, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijeted/ijeted_index.htm ISSN 2249-6149 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17688746 Original Article @2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 79 (GSI, the government authority) should give considerable attention to 'Geotourism.' The conversion of these sites into 'Geoparks,' a UNESCO initiative, could significantly improve the visibility of these Geoheritages. Although numerous countries establish Geoparks each year, India has not yet established any. India’s geologists and paleontologists are sparing every effort to help the country get its first UNESCO Global Geopark. The Dinosaur Fossil National Park in Bagh, Madhya Pradesh, is being prepared to become the first Geopark of India III (Figure 2). Figure 2: Bagh Dinosaur Park in Madhya Pradesh, site of India’s first Geopark While the Geology of India is well understood and documented, the economic potential remains poorly understood. The geoheritage of our country holds considerable promise for economic, socio-cultural, and educational development, presenting a unique opportunity for widespread benefit. The impediments that need immediate attention are:  Speedy identification and declaration of Geoheritages.  Enactment of laws to empower the custodian of Geoheritages, the Geological Survey of India.  The scope of geoconservation must be inherent in the laws to preserve the Geoheritages for posterity.  Massive thrust to Geotourism to realize the latent potential of Geoheritages. The conservation, improvement, and understanding of geoheritage sites can be achieved successfully through a tripartite approach that includes education, legal safeguards, and the International Journal of Emerging Trends in Engineering and Development Issue 15, Vol.6, 2025 Available online on http://www.rspublication.com/ijeted/ijeted_index.htm ISSN 2249-6149 DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17688746 Original Article @2025 RS Publication, [email protected] 80 promotion of geotourism. Ignited young minds, we think, are a powerful resource that needs to be convinced of this heritage right at the school level, like any other subject of learning. Civic sense will then be inculcated, and public health and protection of public property will also be automatically addressed in the process. This is especially crucial in an era of heightened stress on the natural environment. The approach requires thorough attention to the three fundamental components described herein. 1. Geoethical treatment of geoheritage sites by students and industry experts. 2. Prevention of abuse of rock exposures in geotourist destinations. 3. Preservation of geoheritage sites by introducing geoethical rules and regulations. CONCLUSION India is endowed with unique geological formations that span across various geological epochs. Carefully crafted narratives surrounding Geoheritages can facilitate this realization and unlock their true value. The fundamental components have been outlined and need to be activated in earnest, and the impediments removed. The fundamental premise is that, through Geotourism, Geoconservation of Geoheritages can occur, reap economic benefits, and have immense potential to contribute to the country's economic growth. Though a beginning was made in 2022 with the introduction of the draft Geoheritage bill, activities in this key sector are at a snail’s pace, requiring immediate action. REFERENCE I https://www.shankariasparliament.com/blogs/pdf/draft-geo-heritage-sitesand-geo-relics-bill II M S Krishnan,1949, Geology of India and Burma, The Madras Law Journal Office III India May Get Its First UNESCO Global Geopark In Madhya Pradesh | Lifestyle News - News18