Pune's Raireshwar seven-coloured soil formation faces threat from tourists digging, taking samples

The sevencoloured soil formation at Raireshwar a rare natural heritage in Punersquos Bhor district is facing an increasing threat from visitors Locally known as Vibhuti Chi Khan or Vibhuticha Dongar the geological wonder is being disturbed by tourists amateur researchers and history enthusiasts who reportedly dig into the formation and carry away samples out of curiosityLocated in the Sahyadri ranges the plateau is also known for its rich natural heritageThe issue has assumed significance on International Geodiversity Day observed on October 6 with environmentalists and local residents calling for immediate and permanent protection of the geological formationEnvironmental studies scholar Dr Sachin Punekar PicsBy Special Arrangementpopcorn numberOct 6 descInternational Geodiversity Day classDefaultTourists digging soilAccording to the locals the increasing popularity of the site has brought more visitors to the location ldquoIf it is not protected today there could come a day when the authorities will have to put up a board saying that this site was the place where seven colours of soil were once found Because of social media and reels tourists and enthusiasts have been coming here digging up the formation and taking away the soil out of curiosityrdquo said Sandeep Jangam a Raireshwar residentldquoThere should be a ban on taking the soil or even touching the formation We want a permanent solution to protect this historical and natural wealth for future generationsrdquo he saidPush for GeoHeritage statusEnvironmental groups and local organisations are seeking recognition of the sevencoloured soil formation as a Geological Heritage Site Dr Punekar said such recognition could provide a framework for longterm conservation ldquoBased on our studies and interactions with local residents we believe that granting this unique habitat GeoHeritage status would help ensure its permanent protection and conservation We have been pursuing the matter with the concerned authoritiesrdquo he saidStatersquos historyRaireshwar holds a special place in Maharashtrarsquos history as this is where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj took the oath of Hindavi Swarajya along with his Mavla companions in 1645Protection plansShital Rathod assistant conservator of forests territorial told midday that the department became aware of the issue after she was transferred to the area last year ldquoWhen I was transferred here last year we came to know about the issue We immediately initiated the process of putting up barricades around the site However the barricading was on the outer side We are now planning to put up additional barricades on the inner side as wellrdquo Rathod saidA geological wonderThe plateau is also known for its rich natural heritage During the monsoon it is covered with colourful wildflowers giving it the appearance of a natural flower plateau Its geological formations add another important dimension to its heritage valueAccording to Dr Punekar the sevencoloured soil formation is the result of a natural geological process that has taken place over a very long periodThe rainfall in the Sahyadris has caused the weathering and erosion of basaltic rocks over millions of years leading to the formation of laterite mdash a soil rich in iron also containing aluminiumbearing minerals such as bauxite Iron oxides and other mineral components contribute to the striking colours seen in the soilExpertspeakDr PunekarThe natural formation should not be viewed simply as coloured soil that can be collected as a souvenir ldquoThis is a unique geological heritage formation created through natural processes over a very long period Removing the soil or disturbing the formation can permanently damage its natural character What is required is regulated controlled and sustainable tourismrdquo he said