Proposal to Declare Natural Arch as Geo Heritage Site
Why in News:
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) state unit has put forth a proposal to designate the “Natural Arch” located in the Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division in Odisha as a Geo Heritage Site.
Important Points:
- If approved, the “Natural Arch” in the Kanika range would be recognized as India’s largest natural arch with the prestigious Geo Heritage tag.
- The site showcases primary sedimentary structures and is believed to have formed during the Jurassic period due to fault activities and sub-aerial weathering processes.
- This designation comes after the GSI previously declared the Pillo Lava at Nomira in Keonjhar district as a Geo Heritage Site.
- Geo-heritage sites refer to geological features that hold significant cultural or intrinsic value, providing insights into the Earth’s evolution or history. They serve as important resources for earth science education and understanding.
- The Geological Survey of India, headquartered in Kolkata, was established in 1851 with the primary objective of discovering coal deposits for the Railways.
- Currently, the GSI operates as an attached office to the Ministry of Mines and is responsible for creating and updating national geoscientific information and conducting mineral resource assessments.
