Srinagar, Sep 4: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has appealed to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir for immediate intervention to safeguard the Guryul Ravine, a geological site of national importance recognized by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as a Geoheritage Site. The group is seeking an update on government actions following communications from the GSI regarding the protection and notification of the fossil landscape.
The Chenab Times has learned that the EPG formally communicated with the Chief Secretary, requesting information on the steps taken by the administration in response to the GSI’s December 17, 2025, directive concerning the issuance of necessary notifications and the conservation of the Guryul-Khunmoh-Mandekpal fossil landscape. The EPG also highlighted a subsequent GSI communication from August 2026, which noted a joint inspection by the GSI and the District Administration on March 12, 2026, aimed at the site’s conservation and development.
According to the GSI, the Guryul Ravine section is situated within the Dachigam National Park’s Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ). The national geological body stated that the matter of according urgent legal protection to the ravine, including within the Dachigam National Park and its ESZ, has been discussed with the Jammu and Kashmir government, with the required notification from the administration still pending.
The EPG has expressed significant concern over reports of ongoing development and construction activities in proximity to the Guryul Ravine, specifically related to the Khonmoh Industrial Estate. The group urged the government to investigate whether any current or planned developments could negatively impact or encroach upon the unique geological and palaeontological features of this nationally recognized site.
The Environmental Policy Group emphasized that the preservation of Guryul Ravine should be viewed not only as a conservation responsibility but also as a strategic opportunity to establish a prominent centre for geological tourism, scientific research, and education within Jammu and Kashmir. The organization believes that with proper scientific conservation, clear demarcation, and professional development, the site has the potential to attract international tourists, researchers, geologists, palaeontologists, scientists, students, and other enthusiasts of earth sciences and natural history.
The EPG drew parallels with China’s success in developing and promoting similar fossil and palaeontological sites into significant tourism and educational destinations, demonstrating the considerable economic and tourism value that can be generated from geological heritage through scientific conservation and effective management. The group asserted that Guryul Ravine could become an international hub for knowledge-based and scientific tourism, fostering employment and local economic growth while elevating Jammu and Kashmir’s standing on the global geotourism map.
In their communication, the EPG specifically sought details on the actions taken following the GSI’s December 2025 communication, the current status of the proposed government notification, and the findings and recommendations resulting from the joint inspection conducted on March 12, 2026. They also requested clarification on whether the boundaries of the Guryul Ravine Geoheritage Site have been scientifically surveyed and physically demarcated with marker pillars, as suggested by the GSI.
Furthermore, the EPG requested clarification regarding the examination of the ongoing development at Khonmoh Industrial Estate in relation to the identified Geoheritage Site area. They inquired if a fresh joint inspection involving the GSI, District Administration, and other relevant departments would be conducted to ascertain the ground situation. The group also sought details of measures implemented to ensure compliance with environmental and conservation safeguards, particularly given the site’s location within the Dachigam National Park Eco-Sensitive Zone.
The Environmental Policy Group implored the Chief Secretary to treat the matter with urgency and to direct the concerned authorities to carry out an immediate joint verification of the site and the ongoing industrial development. They also requested that no activities with the potential to adversely affect the geological or palaeontological features of Guryul Ravine be permitted until its boundaries, conservation needs, and the implications of ongoing development have been thoroughly assessed by competent authorities. The EPG awaits an update on the actions taken pursuant to the GSI’s communication, the outcome of the March 2026 joint inspection, and the progress on the proposed government notification for the protection of the Guryul Ravine.
The Chenab Times News Desk