Telangana’s Pandavula Gutta older than Himalayas; GSI names it geo-heritage site

HYDERABAD: Pandavula Gutta is older than the Himalayan hills and is identified as the only geo-heritage site in Telangana.

As part of the ongoing ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Telangana, took a significant step forward in raising awareness about our rich geo heritage by organising a geo-heritage walk at the Pandavula Gutta located in Jayashankar-Bhupalpally district.

Bhavesh Mishra, district collector, and magistrate Jayashankar-Bhupalpally district, and the GSI organised the walk on March 12, 2024. The event was a fusion of education, culture, and nature conservation.

"Pandavula Gutta's recognition as the sole Geo-heritage site by the Government of India is a notable honour for both Bhupalpally district and Telangana,” the collector said highlighting the need to preserve such geo-heritage sites for future generations. He underscored the geological significance, mineral resources, and natural formations that had taken millions of years to form.

He stressed that it was the fundamental duty of the local community to safeguard and enhance the visibility of Pandavula Gutta. He encouraged students to pursue careers as geoscientists, following the example of the professionals from the Geological Survey of India, and to contribute to the study of the nation's mineral resources as part of national development efforts.

He commended the GSI for its sustained efforts over the past 174 years and noted the current national requirement for critical mineral exploration, a task also undertaken by the GSI. He congratulated the GSI Telangana team for organising the awareness programme.

J Vasantha, Divisional Forest Officer, expressed happiness about conducting the event within the forest boundaries of the district and shared her pleasure in participating in this historic event coordinated by GSI. A. Anil Kumar and Anup N Kamble, directors of the GSI, highlighted the geological importance and the need to preserve the geo-heritage site at Pandavula Gutta for future generations.