Efforts have begun to develop a UNESCO Global Geo-Park in the regions of Chitrakoot and its surroundings, spread across parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. A team of experts from the Center for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT Kanpur is preparing a proposal in this regard. This proposal will soon be presented to the governments of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Dr. Satish Tripathi and Dr. Anil Sahu, who attended a program at Bundelkhand University in Jhansi, provided information about this initiative.

Seminar on ‘Comprehensive Bundelkhand: A Discussion’: Dr. Satish Tripathi, former Deputy Director-General of the Geological Survey of India and advisor at the Center for Indian Knowledge Systems at IIT Kanpur, shared details about the ongoing survey for the potential UNESCO Global Geo-Park during a seminar held on February 23 and 24. He mentioned that the UNESCO Global Geo-Park project has been underway since 2015. The development of a region as a geo-park helps in recognizing its history, culture, archaeology, and geology on an international level. Surveys of geo-tourism sites in the area have been conducted.

Unique Features of the Region

There is significant potential to develop a geo-park in the vast area surrounding Chitrakoot, spread across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. A report regarding this is being prepared to be submitted to the respective state governments. Dr. Anil Sahu explained that near the Baraha Hanuman temple, along the Kamtanath Parikrama path, there is a unique site where Bundelkhand granites and Vindhyan sandstones meet. This is the only place in central India with such a feature. Near Janaki Kund, fossils found at the bottom of Mandakini reveal some of the earliest life forms on Earth. These blue-green algae fossils, which are about 1600 million years old, changed the environment of the Earth by consuming carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, making it habitable.

Potential for Geo-Park Development

The Chitrakoot region has the capacity to develop into a global geo-park and could receive recognition from UNESCO. There are immense possibilities for geo-tourism in Chitrakoot, which could boost international tourism in the area.