Port Blair, Dec. 12: INTACH Andaman & Nicobar Chapter with support from Directorate of Information, Publicity & Tourism organized a discussion on "The scope of a Geo Park in Andaman & Nicobar Islands”.

A team of eminent Geologists (retired from the Geological Survey of India) made a presentation on the geological marvels that Andaman & Nicobar Islands hold and that although countries like China, Indonesia, Korea and Japan have Geo Parks, India doesn’t have one yet. They also mentioned that though the guidelines mentioned by UNESCO are difficult to follow yet India could perhaps start thinking of declaring one geo park. And that the Islands would be a good place to begin with.

The team of geologists were led by Dr. Ajit Kumar Mahendra, Retired Director General of Geological Survey of India. The other members of the team were Dr. Satyabrata Guha, Dr. S. V. Satyanarayana, Dr. P.V. Sesharao and Dr. V. Ravikumar.

The discussion was attended by Dr. Jatinder Sohal, Director, IP & T, Dr. N. Somorjit Singh, Head of Office, Anthropological Survey of India, Shri. Sukumar Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests, Forest Department, Shri. Arun Singh, Nature Enthusiast and Founding member of Andaman Avians Club and Shri. Udhay Bhaskar, Star-gazer from Whistlingwoodsandaman. 

The vote of thanks was given by Samhita Veda Acharya, Convenor, INTACH A & N Chapter.