Aspirant Academy

Geography

Model Answer Frameworks

UNESCO Geo-parks and Geo-heritage Sites: Potential of Rajasthan

Paper II · Unit 3 Section 10 of 14 0 PYQs 38 min
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Model Answer Frameworks

5-Mark Answer Template 1 (50 words)

Question: What is Akal Wood Fossil Park? State its geological significance.

Model Answer:

Akal Wood Fossil Park (Jaisalmer) contains 25 silicified tree trunks approximately 180 million years old (Jurassic Period), making it India's oldest fossil wood site. Declared a GSI National Geological Monument in 1974, the araucarian conifer fossils indicate a tropical forest existed where the Thar Desert now lies, evidencing deep-time climate change.

Word budget: Definition/location (10) + Age and period (12) + GSI status (8) + Scientific implication (20) = ~50 words

5-Mark Answer Template 2 (50 words)

Question: What are UNESCO Global Geoparks? When was the programme established?

Model Answer:

UNESCO Global Geoparks are unified geographical areas where internationally significant geological heritage is managed combining protection, education, and sustainable geotourism. Formally established in November 2015 via UNESCO General Conference Resolution 38C/Res.29, the programme has 213 geoparks in 48 countries (2024). India has zero designated geoparks; Lamheta Ghat (Madhya Pradesh) is its first submission.

Word budget: Definition (15) + Establishment date (12) + Global status (12) + India status (11) = ~50 words

10-Mark Answer Template (150 words)

Question: Evaluate the potential of Rajasthan's geological heritage sites for UNESCO Global Geopark designation. (RPSC Mains style, 10 marks)

Model Answer:

Introduction: UNESCO Global Geoparks (established 2015) recognize areas of outstanding geological heritage integrated with geotourism and education; India has no designated geopark yet.

Key Points:

  1. Jaisalmer Basin offers Jurassic marine fossils (ammonites, belemnites) and the Akal Wood Fossil Park (25 tree trunks, ~180 Ma), both internationally significant; a GSI National Monument since 1974, it is Rajasthan's strongest candidate.

  2. Barmer Basin contains Cretaceous dinosaur remains and petrified wood forests; Bundi stromatolites (~1,800 Ma) provide Earth's oldest life evidence — rare globally.

  3. Thar Desert aeolian geomorphology (Sam dunes, Lunkaransar palaeolake) adds geomorphological and palaeoclimatic heritage; existing tourist infrastructure at Sam is an asset.

  4. Critical gaps: No dedicated geo-heritage legislation exists in India or Rajasthan; management authorities are absent; Lamheta Ghat (MP) shows the infra requirements India must meet.

Conclusion: With institutional development and a dedicated Geopark Authority, Jaisalmer zone could realistically achieve UNESCO designation within a decade, generating geotourism livelihoods for desert communities.

Word budget: Introduction (20) + Point 1 (32) + Point 2 (28) + Point 3 (28) + Point 4 (22) + Conclusion (25) = ~155 words