Ziraat Times News Desk
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 04: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has sought urgent intervention of the Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, for protection and conservation of the Guryul Ravine, a site of exceptional geological and palaeontological significance recognised by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as a Geoheritage Site of National Importance.
In a formal communication to the Chief Secretary, EPG has sought an action-taken status on measures undertaken by the Government pursuant to the GSI’s communication dated December 17, 2025, regarding issuance of the necessary notification and conservation of the Guryul-Khunmoh-Mandekpal fossil landscape.
The Group has also drawn attention to a GSI communication issued in August 2026, which states that a joint inspection by the GSI and District Administration was conducted on March 12, 2026, for conservation and development of the site.
According to the GSI, the issue of according urgent legal protection to the Guryul Ravine under the Dachigam National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) has been discussed with the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, while the required government notification is still awaited.
Concern over industrial development
EPG has expressed concern over reported development and construction activity associated with the Khonmoh Industrial Estate in the vicinity of the Guryul Ravine.
It has urged the Government to ascertain whether any ongoing or proposed development could affect, encroach upon or otherwise compromise the geological and palaeontological features of the nationally significant site.
The Group has sought a fresh joint verification involving the GSI, District Administration and concerned departments to establish the exact ground position.
It has also asked whether the boundaries of the Geoheritage Site have been scientifically surveyed and demarcated on the ground, including through installation of marker pillars referred to by the GSI.
Potential for scientific and geological tourism
EPG said protection of the Guryul Ravine should not be viewed merely as a conservation obligation, but also as an opportunity to establish a major centre for geological tourism, scientific research and education in Jammu & Kashmir.
The Group said that, if scientifically conserved, properly demarcated and professionally developed, the site could attract international tourists, researchers, geologists, palaeontologists, scientists, students and others interested in earth sciences and natural history.
It said the unique fossil landscape could emerge as an important destination for knowledge-based and scientific tourism, generating employment and local economic activity while strengthening Jammu & Kashmir’s position on the international geotourism map.
EPG pointed to China’s experience in developing and promoting fossil and palaeontological sites as tourism and educational destinations, saying it demonstrates the economic and tourism potential of geological heritage when scientifically conserved and professionally managed.
“Guryul Ravine has the potential to become much more than a protected geological site. With proper conservation, interpretation facilities, scientific infrastructure and responsible tourism planning, it can emerge as an international destination for researchers, scientists, students and tourists,” the Group said.
“Destroying or compromising such a site through unplanned development would amount to an irreversible loss of both scientific heritage and a significant future tourism opportunity,” it added.
Seeks status of notification, inspection findings
In its communication, EPG has specifically sought information on:
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action taken pursuant to the GSI’s December 2025 communication;
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the present status of the proposed Government notification;
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findings and recommendations of the March 12, 2026 joint inspection;
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scientific survey and ground demarcation of the Geoheritage Site;
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examination of Khonmoh Industrial Estate development against the identified site boundaries; and
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measures taken to ensure compliance with applicable environmental and conservation safeguards arising from the site’s location within the Dachigam ESZ.
