CBSE Textbook: Geological Heritage | Communicative English for Class 10 PDF Download

 Page 1


UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
E: Geological Heritage
Working to save a geological heritage
By Anita Satyajit
Look at the photograph given below. This is The Three Stooges, a bizarre rock 
formation that can be found in Goblin Valley. There are some exceptionally unique 
rock formations all over the world.
 A)  Why do you feel such geological structures should be preserved? 
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
 B)  What are the threats to such structures?
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
E.1.  Now read about the vanishing rocks of Hyderabad. 
 One of the most interesting facets of Hyderabad is the mammoth granite rocks in 
156
Page 2


UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
E: Geological Heritage
Working to save a geological heritage
By Anita Satyajit
Look at the photograph given below. This is The Three Stooges, a bizarre rock 
formation that can be found in Goblin Valley. There are some exceptionally unique 
rock formations all over the world.
 A)  Why do you feel such geological structures should be preserved? 
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
 B)  What are the threats to such structures?
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
E.1.  Now read about the vanishing rocks of Hyderabad. 
 One of the most interesting facets of Hyderabad is the mammoth granite rocks in 
156
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
157 
bewitching poses that capture one's eye and imagination. Rocks large and small 
precariously balance on one another to form shapes that mesmerise the mind. 
These rocks, among the oldest in the world, are Hyderabad's true heritage. Even 
the mighty Himalayas at 40-60 million years old are younger than these rocks!
 Nature's sculptures
 The gigantic boulders inspire 
creativity and reverence in people, 
forcing them to look beyond the 
obvious shapes to create imaginary 
forms. These rocks seem to strike 
poses and imitate life-a puppy seated 
on its hind legs with its front legs 
raised in the air, a car-shaped 
formation, flying saucer resting on rocks, four chambers of the heart, and a 
woman standing with her face to the breeze; these are just a few shapes that tickle 
your imagination. It is no wonder then that people have taken to naming certain 
rocks after the shape, they think they resemble, or the idea they think they 
epitomise.
 Some of these names have stuck on and the rocks have thus become landmarks in 
the city. And in some other places, rocks with their symbolic shapes have inspired 
the devout. Natural openings and cave like structures formed by the rocks have 
been used as temples by locals. Many 
people even consider them as symbols 
of the divine and worship these silent 
sentinels.
 Maintaining ecological balance
 Apart from being a visual treat for 
viewers, these rocks play an integral 
role in preserving and nurturing the 
ecological balance of the region. Lakes 
and ponds have always formed on 
adjoining rocky patches. This is a 
Tortoise Rock
Golconda fort of Hyderabad
Page 3


UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
E: Geological Heritage
Working to save a geological heritage
By Anita Satyajit
Look at the photograph given below. This is The Three Stooges, a bizarre rock 
formation that can be found in Goblin Valley. There are some exceptionally unique 
rock formations all over the world.
 A)  Why do you feel such geological structures should be preserved? 
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
 B)  What are the threats to such structures?
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
E.1.  Now read about the vanishing rocks of Hyderabad. 
 One of the most interesting facets of Hyderabad is the mammoth granite rocks in 
156
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
157 
bewitching poses that capture one's eye and imagination. Rocks large and small 
precariously balance on one another to form shapes that mesmerise the mind. 
These rocks, among the oldest in the world, are Hyderabad's true heritage. Even 
the mighty Himalayas at 40-60 million years old are younger than these rocks!
 Nature's sculptures
 The gigantic boulders inspire 
creativity and reverence in people, 
forcing them to look beyond the 
obvious shapes to create imaginary 
forms. These rocks seem to strike 
poses and imitate life-a puppy seated 
on its hind legs with its front legs 
raised in the air, a car-shaped 
formation, flying saucer resting on rocks, four chambers of the heart, and a 
woman standing with her face to the breeze; these are just a few shapes that tickle 
your imagination. It is no wonder then that people have taken to naming certain 
rocks after the shape, they think they resemble, or the idea they think they 
epitomise.
 Some of these names have stuck on and the rocks have thus become landmarks in 
the city. And in some other places, rocks with their symbolic shapes have inspired 
the devout. Natural openings and cave like structures formed by the rocks have 
been used as temples by locals. Many 
people even consider them as symbols 
of the divine and worship these silent 
sentinels.
 Maintaining ecological balance
 Apart from being a visual treat for 
viewers, these rocks play an integral 
role in preserving and nurturing the 
ecological balance of the region. Lakes 
and ponds have always formed on 
adjoining rocky patches. This is a 
Tortoise Rock
Golconda fort of Hyderabad
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
natural occurrence as rocks help create the natural drainage system of the area. 
Subterranean passages created by these rocks result in the natural flow of rain 
water to that area, aiding the formation of ponds and lakes and recharging ground 
water levels.
 And where there is green, there are birds and bees. Rocky hills often act as the 
biodiversity hub for the area. Prickly thick shrubs and dry deciduous forests 
ensconce the rocks. Along the lakebeds, tall grass grows in wild abandon. Often 
even medicinal plants and aromatic herbs are found in the area. And hidden in 
this medley of plants are insects, birds and reptiles. So don't be surprised if a Baya 
weaver flies by or a snake wiggles past you, when you are trekking about the 
rocks. Fauna and flora of varied kinds thrive in rocky eco-systems. Nature is at its 
best in these spots and here is where people can go to for a whiff of the wild. But 
today, such spots are disappearing with alarming alacrity. Rocks are being 
destroyed indiscriminately; the price the city is paying for growth.
 Development at the cost of nature
  It is easy to wonder why someone would destroy rocks that are billions of years 
old. For centuries now, these rocks have been the building material for the city. 
Even the famous Golconda fort of Hyderabad which sits atop a granite hill is made 
of the very same granite rock. The problem however lies at the speed and 
magnitude with which these rocks are now disappearing. Just consider the 
following statistics. The official 2001 census stated that the Hyderabad 
population was around 3.7 million. But today, the overflowing buses, traffic 
jammed streets, and expanding city borders tell a very different story. Today, this 
natural legacy is giving way to tall residential high-rises and software parks. Hills 
are being replaced with malls and buildings.
 As the massive inflow of population continues, rocks are being quarried round-
the-clock to cater to the exponential boom in the construction industry. Large 
tracts of land have been approved for residential or commercial use, without 
taking into consideration what actually lies on the land. The rocks are blown 
down, land is cleared and the hard crystalline rocks are used as construction 
material. In the past four years itself, vast stretches of hills around the city's 
fringes have been turned to rubble or have completely disappeared. If you visit the 
places where the development is taking place your heart will bleed at the sight of 
158
Page 4


UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
E: Geological Heritage
Working to save a geological heritage
By Anita Satyajit
Look at the photograph given below. This is The Three Stooges, a bizarre rock 
formation that can be found in Goblin Valley. There are some exceptionally unique 
rock formations all over the world.
 A)  Why do you feel such geological structures should be preserved? 
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
 B)  What are the threats to such structures?
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
E.1.  Now read about the vanishing rocks of Hyderabad. 
 One of the most interesting facets of Hyderabad is the mammoth granite rocks in 
156
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
157 
bewitching poses that capture one's eye and imagination. Rocks large and small 
precariously balance on one another to form shapes that mesmerise the mind. 
These rocks, among the oldest in the world, are Hyderabad's true heritage. Even 
the mighty Himalayas at 40-60 million years old are younger than these rocks!
 Nature's sculptures
 The gigantic boulders inspire 
creativity and reverence in people, 
forcing them to look beyond the 
obvious shapes to create imaginary 
forms. These rocks seem to strike 
poses and imitate life-a puppy seated 
on its hind legs with its front legs 
raised in the air, a car-shaped 
formation, flying saucer resting on rocks, four chambers of the heart, and a 
woman standing with her face to the breeze; these are just a few shapes that tickle 
your imagination. It is no wonder then that people have taken to naming certain 
rocks after the shape, they think they resemble, or the idea they think they 
epitomise.
 Some of these names have stuck on and the rocks have thus become landmarks in 
the city. And in some other places, rocks with their symbolic shapes have inspired 
the devout. Natural openings and cave like structures formed by the rocks have 
been used as temples by locals. Many 
people even consider them as symbols 
of the divine and worship these silent 
sentinels.
 Maintaining ecological balance
 Apart from being a visual treat for 
viewers, these rocks play an integral 
role in preserving and nurturing the 
ecological balance of the region. Lakes 
and ponds have always formed on 
adjoining rocky patches. This is a 
Tortoise Rock
Golconda fort of Hyderabad
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
natural occurrence as rocks help create the natural drainage system of the area. 
Subterranean passages created by these rocks result in the natural flow of rain 
water to that area, aiding the formation of ponds and lakes and recharging ground 
water levels.
 And where there is green, there are birds and bees. Rocky hills often act as the 
biodiversity hub for the area. Prickly thick shrubs and dry deciduous forests 
ensconce the rocks. Along the lakebeds, tall grass grows in wild abandon. Often 
even medicinal plants and aromatic herbs are found in the area. And hidden in 
this medley of plants are insects, birds and reptiles. So don't be surprised if a Baya 
weaver flies by or a snake wiggles past you, when you are trekking about the 
rocks. Fauna and flora of varied kinds thrive in rocky eco-systems. Nature is at its 
best in these spots and here is where people can go to for a whiff of the wild. But 
today, such spots are disappearing with alarming alacrity. Rocks are being 
destroyed indiscriminately; the price the city is paying for growth.
 Development at the cost of nature
  It is easy to wonder why someone would destroy rocks that are billions of years 
old. For centuries now, these rocks have been the building material for the city. 
Even the famous Golconda fort of Hyderabad which sits atop a granite hill is made 
of the very same granite rock. The problem however lies at the speed and 
magnitude with which these rocks are now disappearing. Just consider the 
following statistics. The official 2001 census stated that the Hyderabad 
population was around 3.7 million. But today, the overflowing buses, traffic 
jammed streets, and expanding city borders tell a very different story. Today, this 
natural legacy is giving way to tall residential high-rises and software parks. Hills 
are being replaced with malls and buildings.
 As the massive inflow of population continues, rocks are being quarried round-
the-clock to cater to the exponential boom in the construction industry. Large 
tracts of land have been approved for residential or commercial use, without 
taking into consideration what actually lies on the land. The rocks are blown 
down, land is cleared and the hard crystalline rocks are used as construction 
material. In the past four years itself, vast stretches of hills around the city's 
fringes have been turned to rubble or have completely disappeared. If you visit the 
places where the development is taking place your heart will bleed at the sight of 
158
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
159
the half quarried, half-eaten mountains.
 Growth and development are inevitable and necessary to absorb the growing 
needs of the economy. But the problem lies, in the fact that none of this growth is 
monitored. Giant machines dig the earth out and transport mud to all corners of 
the city. Ratty trucks with broken remains of gigantic rocks can be seen ferrying 
the roads primarily during dusk or night. Most of this quarrying is illegal. 
Contractors excavate mud and destroy rocks in remote spots often under the dark 
cover of night for a paltry sum.
 Mass destruction of rocks has exacerbated the depletion of green cover. Precious 
fauna and flora has been destroyed. Loss of these rocks has meant ground water 
depletion which has further compounded the city's water woes. Years ago tiny 
lakes dotted the entire city including the famous Jubilee and Banjara hills 
localities. Today lakes are found only on the city outskirts in places like 
Shamirpet. Lakes closer to the city are shrinking with every passing year.
 Fighting for Conservation
 Though Hyderabad has seen the gradual depletion of rock cover, ecological 
conservation is an issue that has not found much voice with the population. Most 
citizens, especially those new to the city, are too busy focusing on seeing a snazzy 
Hyderabad finding its spot on the global map. But even in this bleak scenario 
there is a ray of hope for the rocks.
 Since 1996, a group of concerned citizens have come together to prevent 
indiscriminate destruction of the rocks and protect the rocky landscapes. Their 
organization 'Society to Save Rocks' (STSR) has since then been working hard to 
preserve the rocky ecosystem in the city and state.
 Due to their dedicated campaigning, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has 
added nine rock formations in Regulation No. 13 of the Hyderabad Urban 
Development Authority (HUDA) for the protection of Heritage Buildings and 
Precincts. This act of the governments was hailed by conservationists across the 
country as a great step in recognising the importance of the rocks and the need to 
protect them. Today Hyderabad is the only city in India where rocks are protected 
as a natural heritage. Encouraging the government to preserve these rocks by 
Page 5


UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
E: Geological Heritage
Working to save a geological heritage
By Anita Satyajit
Look at the photograph given below. This is The Three Stooges, a bizarre rock 
formation that can be found in Goblin Valley. There are some exceptionally unique 
rock formations all over the world.
 A)  Why do you feel such geological structures should be preserved? 
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
 B)  What are the threats to such structures?
  a) …………………………………………………………………
  b) …………………………………………………………………
  c) …………………………………………………………………
E.1.  Now read about the vanishing rocks of Hyderabad. 
 One of the most interesting facets of Hyderabad is the mammoth granite rocks in 
156
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
157 
bewitching poses that capture one's eye and imagination. Rocks large and small 
precariously balance on one another to form shapes that mesmerise the mind. 
These rocks, among the oldest in the world, are Hyderabad's true heritage. Even 
the mighty Himalayas at 40-60 million years old are younger than these rocks!
 Nature's sculptures
 The gigantic boulders inspire 
creativity and reverence in people, 
forcing them to look beyond the 
obvious shapes to create imaginary 
forms. These rocks seem to strike 
poses and imitate life-a puppy seated 
on its hind legs with its front legs 
raised in the air, a car-shaped 
formation, flying saucer resting on rocks, four chambers of the heart, and a 
woman standing with her face to the breeze; these are just a few shapes that tickle 
your imagination. It is no wonder then that people have taken to naming certain 
rocks after the shape, they think they resemble, or the idea they think they 
epitomise.
 Some of these names have stuck on and the rocks have thus become landmarks in 
the city. And in some other places, rocks with their symbolic shapes have inspired 
the devout. Natural openings and cave like structures formed by the rocks have 
been used as temples by locals. Many 
people even consider them as symbols 
of the divine and worship these silent 
sentinels.
 Maintaining ecological balance
 Apart from being a visual treat for 
viewers, these rocks play an integral 
role in preserving and nurturing the 
ecological balance of the region. Lakes 
and ponds have always formed on 
adjoining rocky patches. This is a 
Tortoise Rock
Golconda fort of Hyderabad
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
natural occurrence as rocks help create the natural drainage system of the area. 
Subterranean passages created by these rocks result in the natural flow of rain 
water to that area, aiding the formation of ponds and lakes and recharging ground 
water levels.
 And where there is green, there are birds and bees. Rocky hills often act as the 
biodiversity hub for the area. Prickly thick shrubs and dry deciduous forests 
ensconce the rocks. Along the lakebeds, tall grass grows in wild abandon. Often 
even medicinal plants and aromatic herbs are found in the area. And hidden in 
this medley of plants are insects, birds and reptiles. So don't be surprised if a Baya 
weaver flies by or a snake wiggles past you, when you are trekking about the 
rocks. Fauna and flora of varied kinds thrive in rocky eco-systems. Nature is at its 
best in these spots and here is where people can go to for a whiff of the wild. But 
today, such spots are disappearing with alarming alacrity. Rocks are being 
destroyed indiscriminately; the price the city is paying for growth.
 Development at the cost of nature
  It is easy to wonder why someone would destroy rocks that are billions of years 
old. For centuries now, these rocks have been the building material for the city. 
Even the famous Golconda fort of Hyderabad which sits atop a granite hill is made 
of the very same granite rock. The problem however lies at the speed and 
magnitude with which these rocks are now disappearing. Just consider the 
following statistics. The official 2001 census stated that the Hyderabad 
population was around 3.7 million. But today, the overflowing buses, traffic 
jammed streets, and expanding city borders tell a very different story. Today, this 
natural legacy is giving way to tall residential high-rises and software parks. Hills 
are being replaced with malls and buildings.
 As the massive inflow of population continues, rocks are being quarried round-
the-clock to cater to the exponential boom in the construction industry. Large 
tracts of land have been approved for residential or commercial use, without 
taking into consideration what actually lies on the land. The rocks are blown 
down, land is cleared and the hard crystalline rocks are used as construction 
material. In the past four years itself, vast stretches of hills around the city's 
fringes have been turned to rubble or have completely disappeared. If you visit the 
places where the development is taking place your heart will bleed at the sight of 
158
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
159
the half quarried, half-eaten mountains.
 Growth and development are inevitable and necessary to absorb the growing 
needs of the economy. But the problem lies, in the fact that none of this growth is 
monitored. Giant machines dig the earth out and transport mud to all corners of 
the city. Ratty trucks with broken remains of gigantic rocks can be seen ferrying 
the roads primarily during dusk or night. Most of this quarrying is illegal. 
Contractors excavate mud and destroy rocks in remote spots often under the dark 
cover of night for a paltry sum.
 Mass destruction of rocks has exacerbated the depletion of green cover. Precious 
fauna and flora has been destroyed. Loss of these rocks has meant ground water 
depletion which has further compounded the city's water woes. Years ago tiny 
lakes dotted the entire city including the famous Jubilee and Banjara hills 
localities. Today lakes are found only on the city outskirts in places like 
Shamirpet. Lakes closer to the city are shrinking with every passing year.
 Fighting for Conservation
 Though Hyderabad has seen the gradual depletion of rock cover, ecological 
conservation is an issue that has not found much voice with the population. Most 
citizens, especially those new to the city, are too busy focusing on seeing a snazzy 
Hyderabad finding its spot on the global map. But even in this bleak scenario 
there is a ray of hope for the rocks.
 Since 1996, a group of concerned citizens have come together to prevent 
indiscriminate destruction of the rocks and protect the rocky landscapes. Their 
organization 'Society to Save Rocks' (STSR) has since then been working hard to 
preserve the rocky ecosystem in the city and state.
 Due to their dedicated campaigning, the Government of Andhra Pradesh has 
added nine rock formations in Regulation No. 13 of the Hyderabad Urban 
Development Authority (HUDA) for the protection of Heritage Buildings and 
Precincts. This act of the governments was hailed by conservationists across the 
country as a great step in recognising the importance of the rocks and the need to 
protect them. Today Hyderabad is the only city in India where rocks are protected 
as a natural heritage. Encouraging the government to preserve these rocks by 
UNIT-4
MAIN COURSE BOOK
ENVIRONMENT  
promoting them as tourist 
attractions is an alternative that 
the Society is pushing for.
 But despite the dedicated efforts 
of STSR's the city faces a 
challenge, as much land in and 
around the city has already been 
sold off. Durgam Cheruvu, one of 
the designated heritage sites is 
the best place where the 
government's attempt at 
conservation and apathy towards 
rocks, are both visible. 
 Years ago, the lake lay hidden between rocky cliffs and was inaccessible. A few 
years ago it was  converted to a model tourist spot with boating and other leisure 
facilities. 
 But entire stretches of hills on one bank of this protected area have been destroyed 
in the past decade to accommodate the fast-growing Hi-tech city. Durgam 
Cheruvu thus epitomises the ongoing conflict between development and 
protection in the city.
 However some individuals have successfully managed to integrate rocks that abut 
their house into the structure of their homes. The rock forms as much a part of 
their home's interior as does their sofa or any other furniture. Some builders and 
companies too have taken the initiative to include rocks in their building 
complexes. While they have included a natural rock structure within their 
building premise, their focus remains on decorative appeal rather than ecological 
consideration for the rocks.
 Over the years, due to the efforts of organizations like the STSR, the rocks of 
Hyderabad have found a voice. But the din of the construction industry and 
growing needs of an expanding city are far louder than the voice of these few 
individuals. What the rocks require are greater public support and a deeper 
appreciation of their existence. Locals, tourists and governments need to take a 
pro-active approach to ensure that growth includes preservation of rocks and 
160
Durgam Cheruvu