Published: 19 September 2025PIBGeneral
Seven Indian Natural Heritage Sites Added to UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List
India's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO announced the addition of seven new natural heritage sites to UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List on September 12, 2025. The seven sites are: Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra), St. Mary's Island Cluster (Karnataka), Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya), Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland), Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh), Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (Andhra Pradesh), and Varkala Cliffs (Kerala).
India's total UNESCO tentative list count has risen from 62 to 69, with 49 cultural, 17 natural, and 3 mixed heritage properties. Inclusion on the Tentative List is a prerequisite for nomination to the World Heritage List. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) led the preparation and submission of all proposals.
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Q: Examine the significance of the seven new natural sites added by India to UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List in 2025.
Answer (50 words):
On September 12, 2025, India added seven natural sites including Deccan Traps, St. Mary's Island, Meghalayan Age Caves, Naga Hill Ophiolite, Erra Matti Dibbalu, Tirumala Hills and Varkala Cliffs, raising its Tentative List from 62 to 69. ASI-led nominations showcase India's geological diversity and strengthen future World Heritage bids.
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Linked questionEasy
How many new natural heritage sites were added to UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List from India in September 2025?
Explanation · Correct answer BSeven new natural heritage sites were added: Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar (Maharashtra), St. Mary's Island Cluster (Karnataka), Meghalayan Age Caves (Meghalaya), Naga Hill Ophiolite (Nagaland), Erra Matti Dibbalu (Andhra Pradesh), Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills (AP), and Varkala Cliffs (Kerala). India's total tentative list rose from 62 to 69.
Frequently asked questions
Which seven Indian natural heritage sites were added to UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List?
The seven sites are Deccan Traps at Panchgani and Mahabaleshwar, Geological Heritage of St Mary's Island Cluster, Meghalayan Age Caves, Naga Hill Ophiolite, Natural Heritage of Erra Matti Dibbalu, Natural Heritage of Tirumala Hills, and Natural Heritage of Varkala.
What is UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List?
UNESCO's Tentative List is the inventory of properties a State Party intends to consider for nomination to the World Heritage List. Inclusion on the Tentative List is required before a property can be nominated.
How did the additions change India's Tentative List count?
The additions raised India's Tentative List count from 62 to 69 properties, comprising 49 cultural, 17 natural and 3 mixed heritage properties.
Why is Tentative List inclusion important?
Tentative List inclusion is the mandatory first step before a site can be nominated for inscription on the World Heritage List under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
Which Indian institution prepared the proposals?
The Archaeological Survey of India led the preparation and submission of the proposals, according to the Ministry of Culture release.
