Srinagar, Sep 4: The Environmental Policy Group (EPG) has urged the Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir, to take immediate steps to protect and conserve the Guryul Ravine, a site of exceptional geological and palaeontological significance recognised by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) as a Geoheritage Site of National Importance.

In a formal communication, EPG sought an action-taken report on measures initiated following the GSI’s December 17, 2025 communication regarding the proposed notification and conservation of the Guryul-Khunmoh-Mandekpal fossil landscape.
The Group also referred to the GSI’s August 2026 communication, which records that a joint inspection by the GSI and District Administration was conducted on March 12, 2026, to assess conservation and development requirements at the site.
According to the GSI, the Guryul Ravine section falls within the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of Dachigam National Park, and the matter of according it urgent legal protection has already been discussed with the J&K Government. The required government notification, however, is still awaited.
EPG has expressed concern over reported construction and development activity in and around the Khonmoh Industrial Estate, urging the Government to determine whether ongoing or proposed projects could affect, encroach upon or compromise the geological and palaeontological features of the nationally significant site.
The Group has called for an immediate joint verification involving the GSI, District Administration and concerned departments, along with scientific surveying and ground demarcation of the Geoheritage Site, including installation of marker pillars wherever required.
EPG has also sought clarification on whether development at the Khonmoh Industrial Estate has been assessed against the identified boundaries of the Geoheritage Site and whether applicable environmental safeguards arising from its location within the Dachigam ESZ are being enforced.
Beyond conservation, EPG said Guryul Ravine presents a major opportunity for Jammu and Kashmir to develop geological tourism, scientific research and educational activities. With proper protection, interpretation facilities and responsible tourism planning, the site could attract researchers, geologists, palaeontologists, students and tourists from across the world while generating local employment and economic activity.
“Destroying or compromising such a site through unplanned development would amount to an irreversible loss of both scientific heritage and a significant future tourism opportunity,” EPG said.
The Group has urged the Chief Secretary to treat the matter as urgent and ensure that no activity capable of adversely affecting the site is permitted until its boundaries, conservation requirements and the impact of ongoing development are thoroughly examined by competent authorities.
EPG has sought to be apprised of the action taken on the GSI’s December 2025 communication, the findings of the March 2026 joint inspection and the status of the proposed government notification for protection of Guryul Ravine.