As part of the ongoing Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, the Geological Survey of India (GSI), State Unit: Telangana, Southern region, took a significant step forward in raising awareness about our rich geo-heritage by organizing a Geo-heritage walk at the esteemed Pandavula Gutta. This event was grandly celebrated on March 12^th, 2024, at Pandavula Gutta, invited a fusion of education, culture, and nature conservation. The even graced more than 230 participants (165 students, 50 members of villagers, remaining officials from Forest Department, Telangana Tourism, State Groundwater Department and SCCL Officials).

The event was graced by the presence of the Chief Guest, Shri. Bhavesh Mishra IAS, District Collector and Magistrate, Jayashankar Bhupalpally District, Telangana. We were also honored by the presence of our Guests of Honour: Smt. J Vasantha IFS, District Forest Officer, from Jayashankar Bhupalpally District, Telangana.

On this occasion, the District Collector spoke to those assembled and remarked, "Pandavula Gutta's recognition as the sole Geo-heritage site by the Government of India is a notable honor for both Bhupalpally District and Telangana. He highlighted the critical need to preserve such geo-heritage sites for the benefit of future generations, underscoring the geological significance, mineral resources, and natural formations that have taken millions of years to form. He stressed that it is the fundamental duty of the local community to safeguard and enhance the visibility of Pandavula Gutta. He encouraged the attending students to pursue careers as geoscientists, following the example of the professionals from the Geological Survey of India present, and to contribute to the study of the nation's mineral resources as part of national development efforts. He commended the Geological Survey of India for its sustained efforts over the past 174 years and noted the current national requirement for critical mineral exploration, a task also undertaken by the Geological Survey of India. He also extended his congratulations to the GSI State Unit: Telangana team for organizing an awareness program as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav initiated by the Government of India.

Smt. J Vasantha, IFS, addressing the attendees, expressed her pride for conducting the event within forest boundariesof the district and sharing her pleasure in participating in this historic event coordinated by GSI, State Unit: Telangana. She mentioned that during her field visits, they often discovered unique and colorful stones that sparked interest in studying the area's geology.

Shri. A. Anil Kumar and Shri. Anup N Kamble, directors from the Geological Survey of India, highlighted the geological importance and the need to preserve the geo-heritage site at Pandavula Gutta for future generations. The event saw significant participation from officers of the SingareniCollories, the State Ground Water Board of Bhupalpally District, and scientists from GSI, SU: Telangana, including Shri. PunnamLaxmi Ravi, MPP, Regonda Mandal. The presence of public representatives and local educational institutions, including students from Zilla Parishad Secondary School, Tirumalagiri Village, and Montessori High School, Bhupalpally, was remarkable. Additionally, residents from the villages of Tirumalagiri, Ravulapally, Narayanapur, and Kottapally contributed significantly, underscoring the community’s deep interest in preserving their local heritage and environmental conservation.

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