UNESCO Tentative List 2025: Seven heritage sites from India have been included in the Tentative List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, proposed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), bringing the total number to 69. This includes 49 cultural, 17 natural and 3 mixed properties. Recently, the Maratha Military Landscape was added as the 44th site, and Moidam of Charaideo in Assam as the 43rd site.
Newly added sites:
- Deccan Traps, Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra
- Geological Heritage of St. Mary’s Island Cluster, Karnataka
- Meghalaya Caves, Meghalaya
- Naga Hills Ophiolite, Nagaland
- Era Matti Dibbalu (Red Sand Hills), Andhra Pradesh
- Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, Andhra Pradesh
- Varkala Cliffs, Kerala
UNESCO Tentative List:
- This is a list of sites that countries may nominate for World Heritage status and is the first step towards a World Heritage nomination.
- In this, countries identify their cultural or natural sites of outstanding global importance and submit them to UNESCO at least one year before the nomination.
- UNESCO requires a site to be placed on the tentative list before being included in the World Heritage List.
- It is managed under the World Heritage Convention (1972), which ensures that the site’s assessment, conservation, and management plan conform to global standards.
- In India, its nodal ministry is the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which administers it.
About the Archaeological Survey of India:
Established in the 19th century, the Archaeological Survey of India is a statutory body under the Ministry of Culture and an archaeological agency of the Government of India. It is the country’s national governing body responsible for the conservation, protection, and preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage.
- The Archaeological Survey of India was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham to protect cultural heritage and conserve over 3,600 protected monuments.
- The Archaeological Survey of India was revived as a separate department in 1871, with Cunningham appointed its first Director General.
British army engineer and archaeologist Alexander Cunningham is often called the father of the Archaeological Survey of India for his systematic documentation and conservation of ancient monuments. - The Archaeological Survey of India is headquartered in New Delhi, India. Its organization operates as several circles and centers.
- Its main functions include surveying archaeological remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments, etc.
- The organization functions through various circles and branches, each of which is responsible for specific areas and functions. Currently, the Archaeological Survey of India has 37 circles and its headquarters.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites are sites of outstanding universal value that need to be protected and preserved for future generations. This reflects the country’s commitment to preserving its rich natural and cultural heritage. India’s new entries not only underscore the importance of environmental protection and scientific heritage, but will also promote sustainable tourism development.