Mangaluru: Adding a key landmark from the Western Ghats to its expanding list of protected geological treasures, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has declared Yana Caves in Uttara Kannada district a geoheritage site of national importance.The announcement, made in the backdrop of GSI’s 176th Foundation Day, places Yana among more than 90 sites across India recognized for their exceptional geological and geomorphological value. Officials said the move aims to strengthen geoconservation efforts while also promoting scientific awareness and sustainable tourism.Located amid dense forest terrain, the Yana rock formations are estimated to be around 2.7 billion years old and consist of Precambrian dolomitic limestone.In a letter to chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh, GSI director general Asit Saha described Yana as “a remarkable example of landscape evolution shaped by tectonics, weathering, and karst processes.” He noted that the formations developed over millions of years through intense tropical weathering and chemical dissolution, giving rise to distinctive karst features.The site hosts 61 identified karst landforms, with Bhairaveshwara Shikhara (120 m) and Mohini Shikhara (90 m) standing out as the most prominent. These towering black monoliths are also closely tied to local mythology and remain important pilgrimage spots.Environmentalists, however, have urged caution. Dinesh Holla pointed out that the formations are unlike any others across the 1,600-km stretch of the Western Ghats, both in structure and origin. He warned that increasing tourist footfall, especially from visitors detouring from Gokarna, has begun to affect the site’s pristine condition.“Social media-driven interest has surged after the pandemic,” he said, noting that while visitors generally respect the temple, many venture beyond and attempt to climb the steep rock surfaces, causing gradual damage.Holla also cautioned against unchecked tourism infrastructure, such as air-conditioned homestays and commercial activity, arguing that such developments could disrupt the fragile ecosystem. While the geoheritage tag is expected to boost visibility, he stressed the need for strict measures to preserve the site’s ecological integrity.
