To:
Hon. Chief Minister Of Maharashtra 
Government of Maharashtra, India

January 2025

Subject: Get UNESCO World Heritage Site Status to 66 Million years old Geological Monument. Keep real-estate out of the entire zone.|

I am writing to express our very strong objection about the geological heritage monolith, such as Gilbert Hill have been not featured on UNESCO’s tentative list for World heritage nomination , which should be forwarded by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC).  India's 66 Million (6.6 Corers) years old Monument should be considered as a Heritage grade 1 Structure. This Monolith was notified as a heritage Grade 2 structure in September 2007 by Maharashtra state Government. We are seeking itsprotection from the developments happening around it that is threatening the very existence of the 66 million-year-old hill. But none have taken note of their appeal and residents even fear the hill being delisted from the local heritage list.

India’s 6,60,00,000-year-old Gilbert Hill is a 200 feet (61 m) monolith column of black basalt rock situated in the heart of Andheri. One of the greatest geological wonders of world, is hard to find. You have to make your way through grubby slums, high rises and crowded roads and when you finally see it, 66 Million years old Gilbert Hill can be disappointing. But even then, you can’t help but be awed by the Geological significance of this outcrop! Gilbert Hill consists of Basalt hexagons protruding from the Earth; it has been declared a National Park by the Central Government in the year 1952. The hill has a vantage point to view the exhilarating and enchanting landscapes of Mumbai city. The Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming, USA is the only other structure in the world that shares such geological significance. The two spots in the Bombay-Salsette islands -- Worli hill and The Gilbert Hill-stand out , therefore, as prominent land-marks in the geological history of these islands; the former as a hunting ground for fossil collectors. These beds have been known for the preservation of frog, tortoise and other animals and plant fossils. It has described about the Gilbert Hill is a very unique feature of the geological history of the “Deccan Trap” area. The Deccan Trap is a large igneous province located on the Deccan Plateau which has been classified as one of the largest volcanic features on Earth.

Gilbert Hill is a remnant of that volatile era and is a stand-out in many ways. Generally volcanic mountains are formed when lava rising to the surface, solidifies. With each subsequent eruption, the debris starts piling up higher and higher to form a mountain. However, sometimes lava behaves differently; it suddenly rises up vertically with great force between the traps (land slabs) in the Earth forming a block. Such a form is called laccolith. In Western countries many such localities have been preserved as National parks. 

The Man who studies and codified this was none other than American Geologist G K Gilbert, in whose honor the hill in Mumbai is named. The environment and geological significance has been recognized in the authoritative Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, Volume 51 published in December 1952. This means Gilbert Hill was here before there was even a trace of humans, who are about 13 million years old, let alone the hyper-city of Mumbai. Gilbert Hill, which affords the city's best panoramic views, it is a playground for Black Kites and the Indian Ring-necked Parakeet. Tropical birds such as Kingfisher, Sun Bird and Tailor Birds have also been spotted around this mammoth structure however; environmentalists fear that the numbers may dwindle as their habitat may be destroyed by the “concrete jungle” that surrounds Gilbert Hill. Therefore it is strongly recommended that now at least the relict portion of the hill should be preserved as a “National Natural Monument”. This has already been recommended by a competent authority like Geological Survey of India. In recent times Gilbert Hill was accredited as a heritage Grade II structure in September 2007.

In 2010, we had approached to UNESCO head office Paris in order to get world heritage status. In reply, the UNESCO's head office in Paris had said that UNESCO cannot intervene in the case as the Government of India has not even proposed or and nominated that Gilbert Hill be listed as a World Heritage site. In 2012, we had sought Bombay High Court's direction to the Centre and the state to recommend the monolith to the UNESCO to be declared a World Heritage site. In past years we have submitted these Nominations for world heritage site to World Monument Fund, New York and UNECSO, Paris. We had received the letters from Prime Minister’s Office (ASI) commending our efforts at addressing local issues. In this regard, Archaeological Survey of India, Delhi are directed to convey that Gilbert Hill, as Yet does not feature on UNESCO’s Tentative List for India which is a mandatory requirement before any site is considered for World Heritage nomination, The Proposal of the same should be forwarded by the State Govt. of Maharashtra along with inputs from Ministry of Environment and forest. 

We find it shocking that such proposals have even found their way to the table and furthermore have now reached the stage where they are being seriously considered. Nothing is straightforward and we would like to have the confidence in the MHCC to believe that we could all work together to find a solution, but sadly until a sympathetic, sensible and holistic approach is adopted. It is so disgusting that we have to struggle with our own government to safeguard nature’s beautiful creation. Despite being apparently declared as a "national park" under the Forest Act in 1952, the Hill has seen rapid destruction over the years. The Gilbert Hill should be included for the top grading of Grade I as such structures get "maximum protection". No alterations are permitted in Grade I structures, which is not the case with Grade II. It is befitting if Gilbert Hill gets grade I status seeing its age and uniqueness of being columnar basalt. Such sites are rare and should be tapped as UNESCO’S Tentative List for India which is mandatory requirement before any site is considered for world heritage nomination.

Mumbai’s 65-million-year-old Gilbert Hill is threatened by a rash of urban constructions around the pre historical monolith. Government and the authorities had totally neglected to protect and preserve this site in the face of unbridled and illegal activities. Revenue department has given permission to builders to erect 16 stories skyscrapers in front of Monolith. The excavation work of the hill is going on. Slowly but steadily the hill is being trimmed. Today as stated above, the plateau top survived is very small. If further disturbance to the hill is not prevented, there is fear of creating more danger to residents around the monolith,

It is a pity that either through ignorance, we have failed to realize the value of our natural heritage, and have largely neglected it. It is our passion for its preservation and our sense of pride for our National Monument that drives us to stand in defense of Gilbert Hill. This natural wonder featured a few scenes in the many Bollywood blockbusters; Gilbert Hill received its few minutes of fame in the Bollywood films Sholay (1975) and Waqt (1965), and Danny Boyle’s Oscar-winning film “Slumdog Millionaire” includes some scenes which were shot from atop Gilbert Hill, featuring the slums of the surrounding area. Gilbert Hill’s beauty was recognized by Bollywood and Hollywood producers, how can the government not recognize the same and allow construction around such a wonderful geologic anomaly? The wasting of Gilbert Hill must be prevented; it should be preserved for future generations to enjoy, and to appreciate. To be thrown away into the hands of builders lobby, would be a shame. It is heartbreaking to see that our Govt. officials treat our National Monuments so recklessly. This amazing monument should be considered an important part of our "Incredible India" heritage!!!   By allowing the destruction and ruin of our National Monuments all that will be left for tourist attractions are SLUMS - DOGS & a few MILLIONAIRES!!!!!

If you have any questions about this material, we would be happy to answer them. we feel confident of receiving a favorable and helpful reply. Thanking you.

 

 Videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4S_vrNlGnQc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_FkL8JLAc0

Note:  In view of above, I humbly request you that please find attached web links/ files with this letter for your reference
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_Hill
​

https://www.facebook.com/GilbertHill.mumbai/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilbert-Hill/272590246124187​

http://www.india.com/buzz/gilbert-hill-in-andheri-is-one-of-the-worlds-only-three-oldest-things-still-battling-time-pics-of-66-million-years-old-rock-will-mesmerize-you-2318064/

World Monument Fund, New York (2012 and 2014 World Monuments Watch)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByFmJrKti3KXQXBfblRBYnMzZkE/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByFmJrKti3KXRVgtRF9YSFJmNG8/view?usp=sharing
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=492372264145983&set=a.374195909296953.76696.272590246124187&type=1&theater

UNESCO World heritage center, Head office, Paris  ( 2011)
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=409138912469319&set=a.374195909296953.76696.272590246124187&type=1&relevant_count=1​

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByFmJrKti3KXYkpxanpUQjFZa0U/view?usp=sharing

Bombay High court Judgement copy , PIL 57 / 9-02-2012
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByFmJrKti3KXRjJuTEE3cVQ3S28

Bombay Natural History Society, 1952 / Vol. No. 52
https://drive.google.com/open?id=0ByFmJrKti3KXcEpfanJLcklMZk0

In view of above, I humbly request Your Excellency to direct the concerned to take following action.

1-      Enactment of a uniform and effective law in all states of India for protection of Monuments and Heritage site.

2-      Seeking a direction to the Center and state governments to recommend the monolith to UNESCO and secure a world heritage status for it.

3-      Government department should mark out the area and rigidly enforce orders on private companies to keep away from the area so marked.

4-      A sitting judge to inquire into the circumstances and an immediately action has been taken to stop construction around the hill