Context:

• UNESCO has included seven new sites of India in its Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, raising the total number of Indian properties in the list to 69 (49 in cultural category, 3 in mixed category, and 17 in natural category).

Key Points:

• The Tentative List consists of sites which can be proposed in the future for nomination to the full World Heritage List.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) played a crucial role in preparing these nominations.

India’s Seven Newly Included Sites

1. Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra):

• Location: Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra, India
• Type: Large igneous province / volcanic plateau
• Formation: Formed by massive volcanic eruptions during the Late Cretaceous (~66 million years ago)
• Area: Part of the Deccan Traps, one of the largest volcanic provinces on Earth, covering about 500,000 sq km
• Rock Type: Basaltic lava flows
• Significance:

• • Fertile black soil suitable for agriculture (especially cotton)
  • Important for geology and paleontology studies
  • Linked to the mass extinction event of dinosaurs
• UNESCO Criteria: (vii) Natural beauty, (viii) Geological processes, (ix) Ecological processes

2. Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster (Udupi, Karnataka):

• Location: St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Udupi, Karnataka, India
• Type: Volcanic and geological heritage site
• Features:

• • Group of small islands in the Arabian Sea
  • Rocks exhibit ancient lava flows and basaltic formations
  • Presence of stratified lava and columnar basalt structures
• Significance:

• • Crucial for studying geology and volcanic activities
  • Important tourist and educational site
• UNESCO Criteria: (viii) Representation of exceptional geological formations

3. Meghalayan Age Caves (East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya):

• Location: East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya, India
• Type: Natural caves / Geological heritage site
• Features:

• • Among the largest cave systems in India
  • Composed of limestone, with stalactites and stalagmites
  • Home to unique biodiversity, underground rivers, and ancient water systems
• Significance:

• • Evidence of the climatic event around 4200 years ago, marking the ‘Meghalayan Age’ of the Holocene epoch
  • Important for climate research and biodiversity studies
• UNESCO Criteria: (viii) Evidence of key stages of Earth’s history

4. Naga Hill Ophiolite (Kiphire, Nagaland):

• Location: Kiphire, Nagaland, India
• Type: Geological heritage site
• Features:

• • Famous for ophiolite belt, showing remnants of oceanic crust and mantle
  • Rocks include basalt, diabase, gabbro, and other magmatic formations
• Significance:

• • Crucial for studying oceanic plate tectonics and Himalayan geology
  • Valuable for scientific research and education
• UNESCO Criteria: (viii) Excellent example of geological processes

5. Natural Heritage of Erra Matti Dibbalu (Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh):

• Location: Erra Matti Dibbalu, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Type: Natural geological heritage site / Coastal sand dunes
• Features:

• • Famous for red sand dunes
  • Evidence of ancient marine and coastal processes
  • Formed by layers of sand, significant for environmental studies
• Significance:

• • Evidence of coastal erosion and aeolian processes
  • Habitat for birds and vegetation
• UNESCO Criteria: (vii), (viii)

6. Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh):

• Location: Tirumala Hills, Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India
• Type: Natural and religious heritage site
• Features:

• • Famous for hill ranges, biodiversity, and religious significance
  • Hills composed of granite and ancient rocks
  • Home to Tirupati Venkateswara Temple
• Significance:

• • Geological importance due to ancient rock formations
  • Rich biodiversity including rare medicinal plants
  • Cultural and religious value
• UNESCO Criteria: (vii), (ix), (x)

7. Natural Heritage of Varkala (Kerala):

• Location: Varkala, Kerala, India
• Type: Natural and geological heritage site
• Features:

• • Known for sea cliffs and red-colored coastal rocks
  • Evidence of coastal and marine processes
  • Rocks include sandstone and shale formations
• UNESCO Criteria: (viii)

General Information about UNESCO

• Full Name: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
• Founded: 1945
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Main Objectives: Promote peace and sustainable development through education, science, culture, and communication
• World Heritage Convention: Established in 1972 by UNESCO
• Latest Addition from India: Moidams of Assam (Ahom burial mounds) in July 2024
• World Heritage Day: Celebrated on 18 April every year

• • Theme for 2025: “Heritage at Risk from Disasters and Conflicts: Preparation and Learning from 60 years of ICOMOS actions”