The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has asked the Geological Survey of India (GSI) to address concerns over the deteriorating condition of Varkala Cliff, a national geo-heritage site in Kerala. The cliff, a unique geological formation of Mio-Pliocene sediments, is ecologically significant and holds cultural importance, attracting tourism and supporting local fishing communities.
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The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a reply from the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and others over the deteriorating condition of Varkala cliff, a designated national geo-heritage site.
It is a major coastal municipality and a northern suburb of Thiruvananthapuram, the capital city of the Indian state of Kerala. It is the only region in southern Kerala where cliffs are found adjacent to the Arabian Sea.
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Cliff Length |
3 km (including both northern and southern cliffs). |
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Age of Sedimentary Rock |
Mio-Pliocene Age (13 lakh to 2.5 crore years ago). |
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Unique Geological Feature |
The only place on the West Coast where Mio-Pliocene sediments are exposed. |
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North Cliff |
Stretches about 1 km, with some points reaching up to 80 meters above sea level. |
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Papanasam Beach |
Located at the base of the cliff, known for its natural springs believed to have therapeutic properties. |
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Ecological Importance |
Crucial aquifer, a unique microhabitat, supports underwater reefs, important for local fishing communities. |
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National Geological Monument Status |
27th in the country, 2nd in Kerala (after Angadipuram Laterite). National Geological Monuments are geographical areas of national importance and heritage, as notified by the Government of India's Geological Survey of India (GSI), for their maintenance, protection, promotion and enhancement of geotourism. There are 34 notified National Geological Heritage Monument Sites of India. GSI or the respective State governments are responsible for taking necessary measures to protect these sites. |
It is a scientific agency of India. It was founded in 1851, as a Government of India organization under the Ministry of Mines, one of the oldest of such organisations in the world and the second oldest survey in India after the Survey of India (founded in 1767), for conducting geological surveys and studies of India, and also as the prime provider of basic earth science information to government, industry and general public, as well as the official participant in steel, coal, metals, cement, power industries and international geoscientific forums.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q.Consider the following statements regarding the Varkala Cliff:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 and 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2, and 3 Answer: b Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Varkala Cliff is located along the west coast of India and is geologically significant for exposing Mio-Pliocene sediments, a rare occurrence in this region. Statement 2 is incorrect: While the Varkala Cliff is recognized for its geological importance and is a national geological monument, it is not designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Statement 3 is correct: Papanasam Beach, situated at the base of the Varkala Cliff, is well-known for its natural springs that are believed to have therapeutic properties. |
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