India has added seven new natural heritage sites to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites, raising the country’s count from 62 to 69 properties (49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed). This marks a major step in showcasing India’s unique geological and ecological wealth.

About the Tentative List

• The Tentative List is an inventory of sites that a country intends to nominate for inscription on the World Heritage List.
• Inclusion in this list is a prerequisite for nomination as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Newly Added Sites

• Deccan Traps at Panchgani & Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra – Famous for preserved lava flows within Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island, Karnataka – Columnar basalt formations dating back ~85 million years.
• Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya – Mawmluh Cave is the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age.
• Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland – Rare oceanic crust rocks uplifted onto continental plates.
• Erra Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills), Andhra Pradesh – Striking red sand formations near Visakhapatnam.
• Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh – Featuring the Eparchaean Unconformity and Silathoranam arch.
• Varkala Cliffs, Kerala – Scenic cliffs exposing Mio-Pliocene formations with natural springs.
  

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) compiled the nominations, reaffirming India’s commitment to global heritage. India also hosted the 46th World Heritage Committee Session in 2024 in New Delhi, with participation from over 140 countries.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding India’s recent additions to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites:

1. The Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar are part of the Western Ghats and are known for preserved lava flows.
2. The Mawmluh Cave in Meghalaya is the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age of the Holocene Epoch.
3. The Varkala Cliffs in Kerala are associated with the Warkalli Formation of the Mio-Pliocene age.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

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