Visakhapatnam :

The Geological survey of India has declared the Port City’s famous ‘Erra Matti Dibbalu’ (Red sand dunes), situated between Visakhapatnam and Bheemunipatnam, as one of the geo-heritage sites in the country, D Rajasekhar Reddy, advisor of Geo-heritage cell of the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), revealed here Wednesday.

With the picturesque place being one of the major tourist attractions in the area and a popular picnic spot, it is now going to be protected and preserved as a heritage site.

Speaking to mediamen, Rajasekhar said that the Erra Matti Dibbalu being official ly recognised by the GSI as a geological spot will increase the significance of the site globally.

He also said that conservationists can push the government for the protection of the site to bring unlawful activities and other mass events to an end. Rajasekhar felt that there is a need for a special ministry to ensure better progress in recognising more geo-heritage sites in the country.

GSI has recognised just 30 sites so far of which three are from the state. The Erra Matti Dibbalu site in Visakhapatnam are a rare scientific paleo coastal red sand dunes, which contain mesolithic and neolithic materials in it, a first in the country.

How geo-heritage site tag helps

Places identified as Geo-heritage sites are natural features on the Earth that hold significant cultural or scenic value. Geo-heritage or conservation involves the identification and preservation of such areas.

GSI would take over Erra Matti Dibbalu and take maeasures for its conservation.

Central funding would be sought for the maintenance and preservation of Geo-heritage sites.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Express News Service / July 24th, 2014