Pandavula Gutta | Ramgarh Crater

• Context (TH | TOI): Pandavula Gutta, a geological marvel older than the Himalayan hills, has been officially recognised as the sole Geo-heritage site in Telangana.

Pandavula Gutta, Telangana

• Pandavula Gutta is a hillock located about 50 km away from Warangal city. It is older than Himalayas.
• It was first discovered in the year 1990. It is rich in terms of number of paintings, rock shelters and its habitation, right from the Mesolithic to medieval times.
• These cave paintings offer a rare glimpse into the prehistoric man’s rock art identified on walls and ceilings of caves, rock shelters and isolated boulders.
• The rock art paintings depict wildlife like Bison, Antelope, Tiger, and Leopard, etc.
• Other shapes like swastika symbol, circles and squares, weapons such as bows, arrows, sword and lancer and so on are present in these paintings.
• The paintings also feature geometrical designs and impressions in green, red, yellow and white pigment colours.

Ramgarh Crater, Rajasthan

• Ramgarh Crater has been named India’s first National Geo Heritage site by the Rajasthan Government.
• The structure is 165 million years old and 3.5km across and is a culturally significant and spiritual site with a 10^th century temple.
• It has been declared a Conservation Reserve, namely Ramgarh Conservation Reserve under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• The Pushkar Talab complex, located inside the crater, is a source of both saline and alkaline water.
• Bhand Deva Temple is constructed on the meteor impact crater.

What are Geo-Heritage Sites?

• Geo-heritage refers to sites that offer insights into the evolution of the earth and can be used for research, reference, and awareness.
• These sites may have unique rock formations, fossils, or landscapes that are important for education, research, cultural significance, or visual appeal.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) declares geo-heritage sites/national geological monuments for protection and maintenance.
• Objectives:
  • Promote geotourism.
  • Preserve unique geological formations.
  • Enhance geological literacy among the public.