Establish geopark in Visakhapatnam, INTACH urges the Union and State governments

The unique geological feature of red sand dunesm popularly known as Erramattidibbalu, on way to Bhimili in Visakhapatnam district that has been declared as geo heritage site by Geological Survey of India.
| Photo Credit: File photo: K.R. DEEPAK

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) Visakhapatnam convener D. Rajasekhar Reddy has urged the State and Central governments to work on establishing geopark in Visakhapatnam as the city has the potential to join the prestigious UNESCO Global Geoparks Network. He was speaking during a seminar titled ‘Preserving Heritage: Opportunities & Challenges’, organised by the GITAM School of Humanities and Social Sciences History Department here on Friday..

Mr. Reddy stressed that recognition as a UNESCO Geopark would bring international attention to Visakhapatnam, boost tourism and invigorate the regional economy. The initiative of geopark would involve integrating major geological and archaeological sites under a unified Geopark Management Authority for systematic monitoring and development aligned with UNESCO’s standards.

He emphasised the Visakhapatnam’s geological diversity, which spans over 1,500 million years, alongside its rich archaeological and cultural heritage, making it an ideal candidate for the UNESCO designation. He outlined that UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas where sites and landscapes of international geological significance are managed holistically for protection, education and sustainable development. Currently, there are 213 UNESCO Global Geoparks in 48 countries, attracting global tourists and contributing to local economies.

Highlighting key geological and geomorphic sites in and around Visakhapatnam, Mr. Reddy pointed out the importance of Erra Matti Dibbalu (red sand dunes), coastal geomorphic features, including natural arches and pristine beaches, Borra Caves, bauxite deposits and Araku Valley. He further noted a scientifically significant discovery in the Araku Valley: volcanic tephra deposits from an Indonesian volcanic eruption 74,000 years ago, preserved in the Patal River. This finding demonstrates the remarkable journey of volcanic ash across thousands of kilometres and its deposition in Indian river valleys.

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and INTACH have long advocated for the creation of five geoparks across India. He observed that with its exceptional geological formations and cultural sites, Visakhapatnam stands out as a strong contender for this global recognition. The State and the Union governments positively responded to this, he added.

He said that the universities should play a significant role in future to promote Visakhapatnam Geo Park.