{
  "type": "article",
  "title": "Jodhpur Aims for India's First UNESCO Global Geopark with Mehrangarh Heritage Walk",
  "summary": "A special geo-heritage walk will take place at Mehrangarh Fort on October 6 to mark International Geodiversity Day, building momentum to secure India's first UNESCO Global Geopark status.",
  "content": "The historic city of Jodhpur is renowned worldwide for its majestic palaces and defensive fortifications, yet beneath those architectural wonders lies an equally fascinating geological foundation shaped over thousands of years. In an effort to bring this hidden natural inheritance into the spotlight, Mehrangarh Fort will host a dedicated geo-heritage awareness drive alongside a guided walk on October 6, 2026. Organised to commemorate International Geodiversity Day, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between cultural monuments and the ancient rocky terrain beneath them. The overarching objective of the movement is to build public momentum toward earning Mehrangarh the distinction of becoming the very first UNESCO Global Geopark in India.\n\nCommunity Outreach Under an Accessible Theme\nFor this edition of the global observance, organisers have adopted the official theme of 'Geodiversity at our Doorstep'. The concept is designed to help everyday citizens appreciate the environmental and scientific value of the hills, boulders, terrain contours, and historic water harvesting structures that surround their daily routines. Dr. Shiv Singh Rathore, representing the organising committee, highlighted that the programme will actively engage school and university students, academic researchers, licensed tourist guides, travel industry professionals, and local residents.\n\nBridging a Major Gap on the Global Geological Map\nAcross the globe, designated geological reserves play a transformative role in driving sustainable geo-tourism and safeguarding delicate landforms. Currently, there are 241 certified UNESCO Global Geoparks spread across 51 nations. In sharp contrast, India has yet to secure a single UNESCO Global Geopark within its borders. Jodhpur presents an ideal case to end this absence, as the region blends rare geological formations, distinctive landforms, ancestral water heritage, and formidable living architectural traditions into one cohesive landscape.\n\nExploring Six Signature Locations at Dawn\nThe guided heritage walk is scheduled to begin at 6:30 AM, guiding walkers through six prominent sites spread across the fort complex and its immediate perimeter. Subject matter experts will explain how the city's tough rocky topography and traditional water reservoirs directly shaped the defensive layout and everyday endurance of Mehrangarh. By connecting geological science with human history, the route will present the fort as an interwoven tapestry of rock systems, hydrology, and cultural craftsmanship.\n\nExpert Leadership and Citizen Participation\nThe initiative draws together scholars and heritage administrators, including Professor Suresh Chandra Mathur, former head of the geology department; Dr. Shiv Singh Rathore; Dr. Mahendra Singh Tanwar from the Mehrangarh Museum; Colonel Ajay Singh Shekhawat; and Dr. Saurabh Mathur from Jaipur. Around 250 participants are expected to take part in the walk. Beyond generating public excitement, the collective exercise seeks to establish a firm framework for future research, ecological conservation, educational outreach, and geo-tourism, strengthening Jodhpur's credentials for global recognition.\n\nWhat this means for you\nThis drive directly influences heritage preservation, specialised tourism revenue, and global civic recognition for Jodhpur.\n\n• Across India: Achieving UNESCO recognition would establish the country's first official Global Geopark, closing a long-standing gap on the world geological map. It will also create fresh benchmarks for geo-conservation and academic fieldwork throughout the nation.\n• In Jodhpur: Tour guides and local hospitality providers stand to gain specialised career and business opportunities. Heightened civic attention will also ensure better protection for the city's ancient water harvesting systems and natural hillocks.\n\nWhy this happened\nThe event is being convened to mark International Geodiversity Day and address India's complete absence from the international register of certified geological parks.\n\n• Immediate trigger: The global observance on October 6 provides a focal point under the theme 'Geodiversity at our Doorstep' to mobilize community interest. It encourages residents to look closely at their immediate geological surroundings.\n• Global disparity: While 51 countries currently maintain 241 UNESCO Global Geoparks, India does not have even one certified site to its credit. Experts see Mehrangarh's distinct topography and history as a prime candidate to reverse this track record.\n• Educational gap: Public perception frequently reduces historic forts to monarchical battles and palace architecture, ignoring the ancient rocks and water systems that made them viable. The guided walk seeks to rectify this by presenting the site as a living geological and cultural synthesis.\n\nQuestions & Answers\n\n1. When is the heritage walk at Mehrangarh scheduled to take place?\nThe heritage walk is scheduled for October 6, 2026, starting at 6:30 AM.\n\n2. What is the theme for this year's International Geodiversity Day?\nThe designated theme for this year's event is 'Geodiversity at our Doorstep'.\n\n3. How many participants are expected to attend the event?\nApproximately 250 participants, including students, researchers, guides, and local residents, are expected to join.\n\n4. How many UNESCO Global Geoparks exist across the world today?\nThere are currently 241 certified UNESCO Global Geoparks spread across 51 countries.\n\n5. How many key locations will be covered during the walk?\nParticipants will be guided through six key heritage and geological points across the fort and its surroundings.",
  "url": "https://trendkia.com/en/rajasthan/jodhpur-ki-bhu-virasata-ko-unesco-pahachana-dilane-ki-kavayada-mehrangarh-men-sajega-bhu-vividhata-utsava-42429",
  "category": "Rajasthan",
  "publishedAt": "2026-10-03",
  "tags": [
    "Jodhpur",
    "Mehrangarh Fort",
    "Geodiversity",
    "UNESCO Geopark",
    "Heritage Walk",
    "Rajasthan"
  ],
  "language": "en",
  "site": "TrendKia"
}