India Adds Seven Natural Heritage Sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List

India has gone a long way as far as protecting its natural heritage is concerned, and seven super sites have been included under the UNESCO Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This leaves all the sites that are under consideration to be 69, which comprises 49 cultural sites, 17 natural sites and 3 mixed heritage sites. These additions demonstrate Indian concern for preserving natural resources and Indian heritage. The new sites that have been added are located in different states and feature different geological and natural marvels such as the Deccan Traps of Maharashtra or the Meghalayan Age Caves of Meghalaya.

Key Points in Detail

Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, UNESCO.

• The current Tentative List has 69 sites in India 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed.

• The nomination process of any site to have its name listed on the World Heritage List is first, inclusion in the Tentative List.

Details of Newly Added Sites

• Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra: The well-preserved lava flows are located in the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary which is a UNESCO world heritage site.

• Geological Heritage of St. Marys Island Cluster, Karnataka: The place is famed with unusual columnar basaltic rocks; these formations are estimated to be 85 million years old.

• Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya: Mawmluh Cave is one of the complex of caves which is considered a global standard point of the Meghalayan Age.

• Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland: Provides some insight into tectonic processes as its crust is of the oceanic type.

• Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills), Andhra Pradesh: Red sand hills that show the earth's climate history.

• Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh: Geological importance and Silathoranam (Natural Arch).

• Varkala Cliffs, Kerala: It comprises some erosional landforms and natural springs along the Kerala coastline.

India Global Heritage Strategic Pledge.

• These additions make India more influential in conservation efforts globally.

• The compilation and submissions of the nominations have been done through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

International Recognition

• In 2024, India hosted the 46th session of the world heritage committee demonstrating Indian commitment to heritage conservation.

Conclusion

It is appropriate to note that the inclusion of seven new natural heritage sites in UNESCO Tentative List by India is a manifestation of its continued effort to conserve its rich natural and cultural heritage. This is a project with the assistance of the ASI to make sure that these magnificent places will one day be accorded international recognition due to their value in science, culture and ecology.