- Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel that predates the Himalayan ranges, has been formally classified as Telangana’s only geo-heritage monument.
- In addition, the 165 million-year-old meteor Ramgarh Crater in Rajasthan was designated a geo-heritage site.
[A] Pandavula Gutta
- Pandavula Gutta is in Jayashankar Bhupalpally District, Telangana.
- It is renowned for its rock art and geological history.
- The site contains Palaeolithic cave paintings portraying wildlife and symbolism.
- It was discovered in 1990 and depicts human occupation from the Mesolithic to the Middle Ages.
- Recognised as Telangana’s lone geo-heritage monument, older than the Himalayan hills.
[B] Ramgarh Crater
- The Ramgarh Crater, also known as the Ramgarh Structure, Ramgarh Dome, and Ramgarh Astrobleme, is a meteor impact crater near the town of Ramgarh in Rajasthan’s Baran District.
- It is recognised as an asteroid impact crater in India, excavated within the sandstone, shale, and limestone strata of the Vindhyan Region’s Lower Bhander Formation.
- It was produced by a meteorite impact and has a diameter of 3.2 km and an elevation of more than 200 metres above the surrounding landscape.
- It is a Conservation Reserve, namely Ramgarh Conservation Reserve, under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1972, and a registered wetland under the Wetland (Conservation & Management) Rules of 2017.
What is a Geo-Heritage Site?
- Geo-Heritage Sites in India are geological features that are culturally or naturally significant, provide insights into Earth’s evolution, or serve educational objectives.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and the various state governments recognise and safeguard these sites.
- India now has 34 National Geological Heritage Monument sites.
- Examples:
- Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya
- Majuli Island in Assam
- Chabimura in Tripura
- Purpose:
- Promote geotourism
- Preserve unique geological formations
- Enhance geological literacy among the public
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Geological_Monuments_of_India