Daijiworld Media Network – Gokarna
Gokarna, Apr 20: In a major boost to geological conservation, the Yana caves near Gokarna have been officially declared a ‘National Geo-Heritage Site’ by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), recognising their rare scientific and natural significance.
The decision was formally announced in a letter issued on April 13 and coincides with the 176th Foundation Day of the Geological Survey of India.
The declaration has been widely welcomed by the scientific community, which said the recognition would strengthen efforts to conserve the ancient rock formations, believed to have formed nearly 2.7 billion years ago.
The GSI, the nodal agency responsible for identifying and protecting geo-heritage sites in India, classifies such locations as having significant scientific, educational, cultural and aesthetic geological value. With this recognition, Yana has been brought under the protected geo-heritage category.
Situated in the Western Ghats, the Yana rock formations have been shaped over millions of years through tectonic movements, weathering and karst processes. The towering black monolithic structures are composed of rare dolomitic limestone dating back approximately 2,700 million years, and will now receive stronger legal protection under central conservation frameworks.
The Yana region is reported to contain around 61 distinct karst formations, with Bhairaveshwara Shikhara and Mohini Shikhara standing out as the most prominent twin rock pillars. These striking monoliths are deeply linked with local mythological traditions and also serve as a well-known pilgrimage site, according to the GSI communication.
Dr M D Subhash Chandran, advisory scientist at the Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, welcomed the move, calling it a significant and commendable step.
He said the site represents a well-preserved forested geological monument and forms a crucial perennial water source for the Aghanashini river. He further noted that due to its lime-rich dolomitic composition, the region supports sustained groundwater flow and continues to release water throughout the year.
Calling the declaration timely, he stressed the need for enhanced protection of Yana and its surrounding ecosystem, including consideration of a buffer zone for the watershed and biodiversity conservation efforts.