Three Indian Sites Join UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

On 20 October 2026, three Indian properties were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List. They are the Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang and Andaman Subduction Volcanoes in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape in Chhattisgarh. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) prepared heritage research and documentation for the sites.

UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List

The UNESCO World Heritage Convention was adopted in 1972 and provides for the protection of cultural and natural heritage of outstanding universal value. A Tentative List is an inventory of properties that a State Party considers suitable for nomination to the World Heritage List. A property must be included on its country’s Tentative List before it can be formally nominated for inscription. The World Heritage Committee, made up of representatives of 21 elected States Parties, makes decisions on inscription. Tentative List inclusion is distinct from inscription on the World Heritage List.

Geological Sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang includes limestone caves and active mud volcanoes. Karst landscapes form through the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, while mud volcanoes expel mud, gases and fluids through vents. The Andaman Subduction Volcanoes comprise the volcanic islands of Barren Island and Narcondam Island. Barren Island contains India’s only confirmed active volcano. These volcanic features are associated with tectonic processes along the Andaman island arc.

Sirpur Archaeological Landscape

Sirpur, in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district, lies on the banks of the Mahanadi River and is an archaeological site associated with the ancient kingdom of Dakshina Kosala. Its remains include Hindu and Buddhist religious structures. The 7th-century Lakshmana Temple at Sirpur is a brick temple dedicated to Vishnu.

Important Facts for Exams

• The World Heritage Convention was adopted by UNESCO in 1972.
• Barren Island is India’s only confirmed active volcano.
• The Lakshmana Temple at Sirpur dates to the 7th century.
• India has 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 37 cultural, seven natural and one mixed.

In July 2026, the Ancient Buddhist Site of Sarnath was inscribed on the World Heritage List. The three newly added properties remain on India’s Tentative List and have not thereby become inscribed World Heritage Sites.