SRINAGAR: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has sought the urgent intervention of the Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary to protect 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 communication to the Chief Secretary, EPG has sought an action-taken report on measures initiated following the GSI’s December 17, 2025 communication seeking issuance of the necessary notification for conservation of the Guryul-Khunmoh-Mandekpal fossil landscape.
The Group has also referred to a communication issued by the GSI in August 2026, which records that a joint inspection by the GSI and the District Administration was conducted on March 12, 2026, for conservation and development of the site.
According to the GSI, the need for according urgent legal protection to the Guryul Ravine under the Dachigam National Park and its Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) has already been discussed with the Jammu and Kashmir Government. The GSI has stated that the Guryul Ravine section falls within the Dachigam ESZ and that the required government notification is still awaited.
EPG has raised particular concern over reported development and construction activity associated with the Khonmoh Industrial Estate in the vicinity of the ravine. It has asked the government to establish whether 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 details of the present status of the proposed notification, the findings and recommendations of the March 12 joint inspection and whether the boundaries of the Geoheritage Site have been scientifically surveyed and demarcated on the ground, including through the marker pillars referred to by the GSI.
It has also asked whether development at the Khonmoh Industrial Estate has been assessed against the identified boundaries of the Geoheritage Site and whether another joint inspection involving the GSI, District Administration and concerned departments will be conducted.
EPG has urged the government to immediately verify the ground position and ensure that no activity capable of adversely affecting the site’s geological or palaeontological features is permitted until its boundaries, conservation requirements and the implications of surrounding development have been examined.
The Group said conservation of Guryul Ravine should not be viewed merely as a regulatory obligation but as an opportunity to develop a major centre for geological tourism, scientific research and education in Jammu and Kashmir.
“With proper conservation, interpretation facilities, scientific infrastructure and responsible tourism planning, it can emerge as an international destination for researchers, scientists, students and tourists,” EPG said, warning that unplanned development could cause an irreversible loss of scientific heritage as well as a significant future tourism opportunity.
EPG pointed to the development of fossil and palaeontological sites in China as an example of how scientifically conserved geological heritage can support tourism, education, research and local economic activity.
The Group has urged the Chief Secretary to treat the matter as urgent and direct the concerned authorities to undertake immediate joint verification of the Guryul Ravine and surrounding industrial development, while apprising it of the action taken on the GSI’s communications and the status of the proposed protection notification.
