Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill, 2022

The Ministry of Mines recently gave notice of the proposed Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill.

Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics:

• The Law aims to establish the designation, preservation, protection, and upkeep of national geo-heritage sites and geo-relics for geological research, teaching, awareness, and study.
• 32 geo-heritage sites have been designated by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), including the Siwalik Fossil Park in Himachal Pradesh, the Stromatolite Fossil Park at the Jharmarkotra, Rock Phosphate Deposit in the Udaipur district, and the Akal Fossil Wood Park in Jaisalmer. However, many of these sites are in various stages of neglect.
• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) designates national geological monuments and geo-heritage sites for preservation and conservation, according to the Ministry of Mines.
• To safeguard these locations, the GSI or the relevant state governments take the appropriate steps.
• The 32 geo-heritage sites are dispersed among 13 Indian states.
• Sites containing geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures and geomorphic landforms, including caves, are considered geoheritage sites according to the proposed legislation. This definition also includes any adjacent land that may be necessary for the preservation of these sites or for access to them.
• Any artefact or object of geological significance or interest, such as sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorites, or fossils, is referred to as a geo-relic.
• The ability to purchase georelics "for its preservation and maintenance" will be granted to the GSI.

Issues with preservation and threats:

• Sites in India: According to the proposal, the fossil wealth of dinosaur remains in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, marine fossils in Kutch and Spiti, and the oldest forms of life, stromatolites, found in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are of tremendous geo-heritage and geo-tourism importance.
• The oldest known metallurgical records for gold, lead, and zinc are still extant but in grave danger in Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh.
• Lack of legislation: The Bill notes that although these sites have been identified, preservation concerns exist.
• Because there is no legislation in the nation for the conservation, preservation, and upkeep of the geo-heritage sites, they are increasingly in danger of being destroyed due to population pressure, changing social and economic situations, and natural causes of decay.
• The bill would give the Central Government the power to designate a geoheritage site as being of national significance.
• The Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act of 2013 (RFCTLARR Act) would apply in this situation.

Voicing opposition:

• The government would outline the places it intended to acquire by a public notice in the Official Gazette, and objections to this might be lodged within two months.
• Compensation for landowners: Compensation is provided for any landowner or occupier who suffers loss or damage to their property as a result of the exercise of any authority granted by this Act.
• Penalties: On the geo-heritage site, penalties are mentioned for any destruction, removal, defacement, or violation of any directives given by the Director General, GSI.
• A fine of up to Rs. 5 lakh or a term of jail up to six months, or both, are possible penalties.
• A further fine of up to Rs. 50,000 may be levied for each day that the violation continues in the case of a continuing violation.
• Construction Is Prohibited: The Bill forbids the construction, reconstruction, repair, or renovation of any building within the geoheritage site area or the use of such area in any other way, with the exception of construction necessary for the preservation and maintenance of the geoheritage site or any public work necessary for the general public.

What worries exist?

• There are issues with how the Bill mentions the distribution of power.
• It demonstrates how the GSI has the power to acquire any geologically significant objects, including sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorites, fossils, and geologically significant locations.
• Land purchase for the aim of protecting these sites may cause problems with the surrounding communities.
• It has long been recognised that such sites require protection and that certain legislation must be passed to protect them.
• But, as a Science article points out, there are issues with the way the Bill mentions distributing power.

Way Forward

• There will be disagreement over issues of preservation and livelihood given the high price of land and India's economic requirements, but any policy must attempt to balance these factors and foster consensus.
• The necessity for a law that particularly safeguards sites with geo-heritage significance, in addition to safeguarding areas of geological interest, results from India's 1972 ratification of the UNESCO Convention for the Preservation of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage.