Amit Sharma
Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and Ladakh are regions known for their stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse ecosystems. Geotourism, which focuses on the geological features and processes of a destination, has the potential to offer unique and educational experiences for visitors. According to the Jammu Municipal Corporation’s 2017 report, the number of people living in mobile communities increased by 225.90% between 1981 and 1994 as a result of tourists and security personnel. The Quaternary (recent) sediment deposits, which are readily available for extraction to produce the raw material, are under a lot of pressure to meet the needs of both people and tourists. Exotic species of high-altitude flora and fauna, rocks, minerals, structures, fossils, landforms, soils, and active geological events are all considered components of Geobiodiversity. The components of Geodiversity known as Geoheritage are those that have substantial economic worth to humans for uses that do not deplete their intrinsic or ecological benefits. The Geosites mentioned in this article are exposed to a variety of tectonic forces, seasonal variations in the climate, mass wasting, erosion, and large engineering regimes. They are located in the sub-Himalayan Siwalik Group to Trans-Himalaya. The planet’s geological legacy is not adequately conserved and safeguarded since different nations have varied laws, social structures, and historical ties to the preservation of natural and geological resources. There is currently no unified legislation or regulation in India for the preservation of Geosites, despite the efforts of a few state governments. The Geological Survey of India frequently submits Geosites names for consideration as potential UNESCO Global Geoparks. As of 2023, there are 195 UNESCO Global Geoparks scattered across 48 nations, but India does not yet have its own. There are different categories based on which Geosites are identified- sediment section (fluvio-lacustrine and Aeolian), Cave sites, rockart/petroglyphs and geothermal energy sources. There are several Geosites in the UT of J&K and Ladakh which include- Burzahama Section, Dilpur, Karapur, Parigam, Palar, and Raithan(fluvio-lacustrine and Aeolian) in Kashmir valley. Shey, Spituk, Saspol, Rizong/UleyTokpo, Lamayuru, Tangtse, Shachukul, (fluvio-lacustrine and Aeolian) Meru, Sasoma, Keshar(caves), Stakna, Phyang, Domkhar, Dah, (rockart/petroglyphs) Puga, Chumathang, Panamik(Hot springs) in Ladakh.
Geosites of Jammu region
Placers Occurrence in Nathal Area of Akhnoor: It is approximately 50 km from Jammu and has been identified as a geo-heritage site due to the discovery of placer mines (gold flakes) in the sand, which have been confirmed by the Geology and Mining Department in Jammu, along with several other related scientists from various groups. Some residents of the region continue to work as placer gold miners, sifting and panning the sand piles in Nathal Khad and the surrounding areas. To find out the true amount of gold in the Jammu’s Siwalik sand, the investigating organisations must conduct a thorough study of the Nathal area. The geologists working on mineral research with significant economic implications in that region as well as gold prospecting at Nathal would undoubtedly benefit from this. The entire geoscientific society in Jammu and Kashmir will undoubtedly benefit if outcomes are judged to be positive.
Bone Bed of Siyal Sui, District Rajouri: The Siyal Sui region, which is 200 kilometers from Jammu via Kalakot District Rajouri, is shown in the Survey of India. Analyzing a geological perspective, the region is well-known since many scholars have discovered fossils of fish, crocodiles, and other mammals in addition to other mammals. The fossil-bearing rock band, popularly known as the “Bone Bed,” is made up of alternating bands of blue shale and sandstone from Recent aged Murree Group rocks. The location is very important to palaeontologists who study many facets of ancient life and compare it to modern life to find parallels. They also study the living conditions and adaptations of these ancient organisms, which is useful for determining the palaeoclimatic environments in the region. It ought to be included on the Jammu and Kashmir tourist guide so that both the general public and geoscientists are apprised of it. The region might additionally be promoted by creating a fossil park and keeping it safe for youngsters to come by marketing it as a geotourism destination.
Geosites of Kashmir valley
Burzahama: It is situated on the Naseem-Shalimar route 16 kilometers northwest of Srinagar. It is 7-8 metres thick and contains multiple layers of Loess palaeosol, which is buried beneath the lake sediments that are not exposed and above the top soil. One can observe the leaching of clay, honeycomb-like structures, covered roots, and calcrete nodules. There were four distinct periods of cultural importance between 3000 and 1000 BC, according to archaeological studies. Information from the site covers the Neolithic, Megalithic, and Early Historical Period (Post-Megalithic Period). The discoveries found in Kashmir’s stratified cultural deposits that show evidence of prehistoric human activity are a priceless legacy for future generations.
Dilpur: There are 10 to 12 plainly visible profiles of loess-palaeosol in this sequence, which is found near the Pir Panjal slope. The litho section located here is around 20 m thick. This section can provide insightful details on historical weather patterns. It is possible to correlate quaternary glacial-interglacial cycles from the terrestrial repository with the marine data.
Parigam: In the Kashmir district of Pulwama, the part in Parigam village is roughly 22-23 metres high. It is covered with by loess-palaeosol deposits and is composed of different fining-upward cycles of clay, silt, and sand from a lithological perspective. These resources are being mined regularly to provide raw materials for the nearby brick kilns. The inhabitants of the top area have kept some enormous pieces of pottery there while they dug new homes in the preceding order.
Palar: This part is located in the Budgam district of Kashmir, in the village of Palar. From bottom to top, lithologically speaking, it is composed of fine clay and coarse sand. There is a layer of cobbles and pebbles that is 6 to 7 metres thick, suggesting that there was previous river activity. The surface of these cobbles and pebbles has a blackish substance that may have leached off them due to iron leaching.
Geosites of Ladakh
Lamayuru: The Lamayuru palaeo-lakea geological wonder, sometimes referred to as “Moonland” because of its lunar-like landscape, was a lake that existed between 35,000 and 25,000 years ago. Lithologically, it is separated into five distinct facies associations that coarsen higher; the depositional environment differs between lacustrine, fluvio-deltaic, and colluvial processes.
Meru, Sasoma, Keshar (caves): These cave formations are visible in a thick pile of angular sediments and conglomerates that have been cemented with a rather fine matrix. The structures are substantial enough to support the structure and are eventually used as dwellings. Caves have a diameter of around ten feet, a height of eight to twelve feet, and are joined to form various chambers. Some have a black soot substance lining their roofs. They display the notches as well as certain rock formations. The area served as the meeting point for the Silk Road, which connected Central and South Asia. Historic natural constructions utilised by Palaeolithic and Neolithic societies. The caverns at Sasoma, Saspol, and Alchi villages were later used as temples by Buddhists; similar caves were also used as stores in Meru and Keshar villages. They are significant religiously and have the ability to solve the riddles of the societies they lived within.
Puga Hot spring: Puga is a component of the Himalayan geothermal belt and is located in the southeast of Ladakh. It is 22 kilometers east of the well-known Tsokar Lake and across the 5,350-meter-high Polokonka La Pass. Apart from using it for geothermal energy, the Puga hot spring area, which is situated in the Indus Suture Zone at the meeting point of the Indian and Tibetan plates, has the most potential for geological, geomorphological, and astrobiological research. Strong geothermal activity can be seen in the area in the form of hot springs, mud pools, moss mounds, sulphur, and borax deposits. Faults encircle the Puga geothermal area, and the reservoir rocks there are made of schist, granite, and gneiss. Threats associated with this are the development of geothermal electricity in the near future, single geyser in the area, Puga-Lingam, is unprotected,
Chumathang Hot spring: located about 40 km north of Puga, Ladakh. Chumathang springs are rich in minerals, and the natives have been using them for medical purposes for years. Aside from research on the early life environments and prebiotic processes, the hot spring biota’s ancient times, significance as possible locations for the start of life, and their known occurrence on Mars, this has led to study of them as Mars equivalent sites. Hot springs are important off-Earth analogue places because they have harsh environments that are necessary for life to survive. Major Threat to this spring is Healthy, hygienic conditions are expected.
Not only is biodiversity valuable from a scientific standpoint, but it also offers valuable information to society about things like climate change, the evolution of life, and changes in Earth systems. Its conservation offers insights into the environment, economic growth, sustainable land and water management, historical and cultural heritage, and the potential for geotourism. The future of soft rock or sediment conservation requires an all-encompassing global strategy for its preservation, propagation, and sustainable growth. Both national and international initiatives are needed for greater conservation. The IUGS commission on geoheritage ought to take a leading role in safeguarding these locations; international researcher collaboration and idea exchange might be extremely beneficial. For regional geoconservation and sustainable Geosites management, the creation of a local biodiversity action plan may be beneficial. The public’s support is eventually necessary to get legislative and administrative backing for geo-conservation. Such support can only be developed if the public is made aware of the issues at hand, locals must be included in the process, they must be informed of the significance of these issues, and they must understand how geotourism may be used to boost the local economy. Everyone would benefit from this, and we could utilise our geoheritage for sustainable purposes.
(The author is Research Scholar Dept. of Geology University of Jammu)
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