Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Pandavula Gutta, an ancient geological marvel in Telangana (Jayashankar Bhupalpally District), has been designated as the exclusive Geo-heritage site in the state.
About Pandavula Gutta:
It is older than the Himalayas and showcases ancient rock paintings in various colours like green, red, yellow, and white. The paintings depict symbols such as swastikas, circles, squares, and animals like bison, antelope, tiger, and leopard.
About Geo-heritage Sites:
Geo-heritage refers to the geological features which are inherently or culturally significant offering insight into earth’s evolution or history to earth science or that can be utilized for education. Sites are designated as Geo-heritage Sites (GHS) by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). India, as a member of the UNESCO Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, safeguards such sites through appropriate legislation, as done by other countries worldwide.
About the Geological Survey of India:
Headquartered in Kolkata, it was set up in 1851 primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways. Presently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines. The main functions of the GSI relate to the creation and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
