Current Affairs

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option b

Explanation
Seven Natural Heritage Sites from India have recently been added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
In September 2025, Erra Matti Dibbalu was officially added to UNESCO’s Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
Erra Matti Dibbalu, meaning "Red Sand Dunes" in Telugu, is a striking geological formation located near Visakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh. These dunes are composed of red sand, silt, and clay, and are known for their vivid coloration due to natural oxidation processes over thousands of years. They are considered a rare coastal geomorphological feature and have been designated as a National Geo-heritage Monument by the Geological Survey of India.
As per UNESCO’s protocol, inclusion in the Tentative List is a prerequisite for any site to be nominated for the prestigious World Heritage List.

Details of other Newly Added Sites:

• Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra :Home to some of the best-preserved and studied lava flows in the world, these sites form part of the massive Deccan Traps and are located within the Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary—already a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka: Known for its rare columnar basaltic rock formations, this island cluster dates back to the Late Cretaceous period, offering a geological snapshot from around 85 million years ago.
• Meghalayan Age Caves, Meghalaya: The stunning cave systems of Meghalaya, particularly the Mawmluh Cave, serve as the global reference point for the Meghalayan Age in the Holocene Epoch, reflecting significant climate and geological transitions.
• Naga Hill Ophiolite, Nagaland: A rare exposure of ophiolite rocks, these hills represent oceanic crust uplifted onto continental plates—offering deep insights into tectonic processes and mid-ocean ridge dynamics.
• Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh: Featuring the Eparchaean Unconformity and the iconic Silathoranam (Natural Arch), this site holds immense geological significance, representing over 1.5 billion years of Earth’s history.
• Varkala Cliffs, Kerala: The scenic cliffs along Kerala’s coastline expose the Warkalli Formation of the Mio-Pliocene age, along with natural springs and striking erosional landforms, offering both scientific and touristic value.
• With this inclusion, India now has a total of 69 sites under consideration by UNESCO.