Daily Hot Topic
Topic : Lack of Geo-conservation in India
GS-3 Mains : Environment Conservation
Revision Notes
Context
- Despite international progress, India lacks a mechanism for geo-conservation.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has identified 34 geological monuments but cannot enforce preservation measures.
What is Geo-conservation?
- Geo-conservation refers to efforts to preserve geological features, processes, and sites with scientific, cultural, educational, or aesthetic value.
- Similar to biodiversity conservation, it protects geological diversity for future generations.
Need for Geo-conservation in India
- Rich Geological Diversity: India’s geological formations, landscapes, and mineral resources require protection for scientific research, education, and understanding Earth’s history.
- Cultural and Historical Significance: Geological sites like the Siwalik Hills fossil beds hold cultural and historical importance, preserving knowledge related to geology and India’s prehistoric past.
- Natural Hazards Management: Understanding geological processes and landscapes helps manage natural hazards like earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
- Tourism and Recreation: Unique landscapes, rock formations, caves, and mineral sites attract tourists interested in exploring India’s geological diversity.
- Environmental Sustainability: Geo-conservation promotes responsible management of essential geological resources like groundwater and minerals for future generations.
Geo-heritage Sites
- Geo-heritage sites are educational spaces promoting geological literacy.
- The concept emerged in 1991 at a UNESCO event.
- Many countries have established geo-heritage sites as national parks (Canada, China, Spain, US, UK). There are 169 Global Geoparks across 44 countries.
- While a signatory, India lacks legislation or policy for geo-heritage conservation, unlike Thailand and Vietnam.
Government Attempts
- In 2009, a Bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to create a National Commission for Heritage Sites.
- The Bill aimed to implement UNESCO’s World Heritage Convention and create a national roster of heritage sites but was withdrawn for unknown reasons.
- More recently, the Ministry of Mines drafted a Bill in 2022 for preservation and maintenance, but there are no updates.
Way Ahead
- India needs to:
- Create an inventory of all potential geo-sites beyond the 34 identified by GSI.
- Frame geo-conservation legislation similar to the Biological Diversity Act (2002).
- Establish a National Geo-Conservation Authority with independent observers, ensuring autonomy for researchers.
By conserving geological sites and resources, India can improve natural environment management and contribute to global environmental sustainability efforts.
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