Scientists urge Andhra Pradesh govt to protect glacial-period coastal red sand dunes of Vizag

Tags: Science and Technology State News

Geologists have said recently that the coastal red sand dunes of Vizag, have much significance geologically, archaeologically, and anthropologically and it needs to be protected.

About Coastal red sand dunes

• The Coastal Red Sand Dunes also known as 'Era Matty Dibbalu' is one of the many important sites in Visakhapatnam which have geological significance.

• The site is situated along the coast and is about 20 km north-east of Visakhapatnam city and about 4 km south-west of Bheemunipatnam.

• The site was declared as a Geo-Heritage Site by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in 2014.

• The Government of Andhra Pradesh listed it under the category of 'protected sites' in 2016.

Significance of Coastal red sand dunes

• Such sand deposits are rare and are found only in three places in tropical areas in South Asia – Terry Sands in Tamil Nadu, Era Matti Dibbalu in Visakhapatnam and one place in Sri Lanka.

• Preserving this site is important, as its study can help understand the impact of climate change, as Era Matti Dibbalu has witnessed glacial and warm climate periods.

• The site is about 18,500 to 20,000 years old and it can be related to the last glacial period.

• They are anthropologically and archaeologically important as they possibly contain Mesolithic and neolithic cultural materials as well.