Context: 

The state unit of Geological Survey of India (GSI) has proposed to declare the ‘Natural Arch’ in Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division a Geo Heritage Site. 

Image Source: The New Indian Express

About the Natural Arch:

• Location: Chhengapahar reserve forest near Brahmani village in Kanika range of Sundargarh in Odisha.
• Specifications:  Oval-shaped arch
• Time period: 184 to 160 million years in the lower to middle Jurassic age.
• Reasons for Formation: Due to fault activities and nature of lithotype which have enhanced the process of sub-aerial weathering over a long period. 
• Significance: The natural arch and its surrounding area is a storehouse of different primary sedimentary structures like planner and cross-bedding along with occasional current ripples signifying high energy fluvial environment during sedimentation.
• Other Arches in India: Tirumala hills in Tirupati and Andaman and Nicobar. 

Geoheritage Sites:

• They are the sites containing geo-relics and phenomena, stratigraphic type sections, geological structures and geomorphic landforms including caves, natural rock-sculptures of national and international interest
• They include such portions of land adjoining the site that may be required for their conservation or to access to such sites.
• The GSI declares geo-heritage sites/ national geological monuments for protection and maintenance. 

News Source: The New indianExpress