UNESCO adds three Indian sites to Tentative List, from Andaman volcanoes to Chhattisgarh’s Sirpur: What makes them significant?

UNESCO has added three Indian sites to its World Heritage Tentative List, bringing attention to the country’s geological formations and archaeological heritage. The newly included properties are the Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang and the Andaman Subduction Volcanoes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape in Chhattisgarh. According to a press release from the Permanent Delegation of India to UNESCO, the proposals were submitted on September 28, 2026 and added to the list on October, 20.

The three properties include two proposed natural heritage sites and one cultural heritage site. Their inclusion on the Tentative List is a preliminary step in the process of seeking UNESCO World Heritage recognition. It does not mean that they have already been inscribed on the World Heritage List.

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Which three Indian sites has UNESCO added to the Tentative List?

1. Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Located on the Great Andaman island chain, the proposed Baratang site covers an area of 299.57 square kilometres and features limestone caves and active mud volcanoes.

According to UNESCO’s description, a one-square-kilometre section of the limestone cave system, locally known as “Jalki”, is significant for its connection to seismically triggered mud volcanism. The site represents a distinctive geological landscape combining karst formations and mud-volcanic activity.

2. Andaman Subduction Volcanoes, Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The second proposed natural heritage property comprises Barren Island and Narcondam Island, two volcanic islands in the Andaman Sea. The islands illustrate volcanic activity associated with the subduction of the Indian Plate beneath the Burma microplate.

Although both islands belong to the same volcanic arc, they have distinct geological characteristics.

• Barren Island: Known for its active volcano, basaltic and basaltic-andesite lava formations, and a caldera formed by the collapse of an older volcanic structure.
• Narcondam Island: Noted for its volcanic geology and biodiversity. The island is also recognised as an Important Bird Area and a Key Biodiversity Area.

The proposal covers the land areas of both islands, highlighting their geological significance and natural heritage.

3. Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape, Chhattisgarh

The third property is the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape in Mahasamund district of Chhattisgarh. Located near the eastern bank of the Mahanadi River, Sirpur lies around 78 kilometres from Raipur.

The historic settlement contains archaeological evidence of ancient trade, urbanisation and interactions between different religious traditions. Its monuments reflect Hindu and Buddhist influences and offer insights into the relationship between commerce, religious activity and the development of settlements.

The nomination document also discusses the region’s geological setting in the Proterozoic Chhattisgarh Basin, including stromatolites, which are layered structures formed through the activity of microorganisms such as cyanobacteria.

Sirpur has been proposed as a cultural property because of its archaeological and historical significance.

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What is UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List?

UNESCO’s World Heritage Tentative List contains properties that a country considers suitable for potential nomination to the World Heritage List because of their possible Outstanding Universal Value.

Inclusion on the list is a preliminary requirement before a property can be formally nominated. However, it does not guarantee World Heritage status.

The process generally involves four stages:

1. Tentative List: A country identifies properties that may qualify for World Heritage recognition.
2. Nomination: The country submits a detailed nomination dossier.
3. Evaluation: The nomination is assessed through the World Heritage evaluation process.
4. Inscription: The World Heritage Committee decides whether to add the property to the World Heritage List.

Countries can update their Tentative Lists as additional properties are identified. According to the information provided in the source material, India has 81 properties on its Tentative List. The number may change as UNESCO’s records are updated.