The Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill was recently released by the Central Government to ensure the conservation and preservation of the geological heritage of India. The legislation aims to provide a legal framework for the declaration, protection, and maintenance of geo-heritage sites and geo-relics of national importance.
What are Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics?
Geo-heritage sites are those locations that have geological structures and geomorphic landforms that have high scientific, educational, and aesthetic value. These sites include landscapes, geological features, or other natural features that display the Earth’s history and provide significant insight into the geological processes that have shaped the planet over millions of years.
A geo-relic is a material or a relic of geological interest or significance, such as rocks, sediments, meteorites, or fossils. They are essential for understanding the evolution of life on earth and the changes that have taken place over millions of years.
Objective of the Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill
The primary objective of this proposed legislation is to protect and conserve India’s geological heritage by identifying, declaring, and maintaining sites of national importance. The bill aims to promote research, education, and awareness about geo-heritage sites and geo-relics.
Provisions of the Draft Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill
The draft legislation outlines the necessary provisions for the preservation and protection of geological heritage sites and geo-relics. These provisions include the following:
- Declaration of Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics: The legislation allows for the declaration of sites of geological importance as geo-heritage sites and geo-relics.
- Identification of Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) will identify and prepare an inventory of all the geo-heritage sites and geo-relics in the country.
- Acquisition of Geo-relics: The legislation empowers the GSI to acquire any geo-relic or geological specimen of national importance for preservation and maintenance.
- National Geo-heritage Fund: The draft bill establishes a National Geo-heritage Fund that will support the maintenance, restoration, and preservation of geo-heritage sites and geo-relics.
- Penalties for Damage to Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics: The bill also provides for penalties for damaging or destroying geo-heritage sites and geo-relics, and prescribes fines and imprisonment for offenders.
