The UNESCO Tentative List added three Indian properties on October 20, 2026: two proposed natural heritage sites in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Sirpur Cultural and Archaeological Landscape in Chhattisgarh. The additions are a preliminary step toward World Heritage recognition, not a designation of the sites as World Heritage properties.

Key Takeaways

  • India submitted the three proposals on September 28, 2026.
  • The Andaman proposals cover a mud-volcano complex and two volcanic islands.
  • Sirpur is proposed as a cultural property for its archaeological and historical significance.

What the UNESCO Tentative List additions cover

The Karst-mud-volcano Complex of Baratang covers 299.57 square kilometres on the Great Andaman island chain. It combines limestone caves with active mud volcanoes; part of the cave system, known locally as Jalki, is associated with seismically triggered mud volcanism.

The Andaman Subduction Volcanoes proposal covers the land areas of Barren Island and Narcondam Island in the Andaman Sea. Barren Island has an active volcano, while Narcondam is recognised for its volcanic geology and biodiversity.

Sirpur, in Chhattisgarh’s Mahasamund district, lies near the eastern bank of the Mahanadi River, about 78 kilometres from Raipur. Its archaeological remains offer evidence of ancient trade, urbanisation and interactions between religious traditions, with monuments reflecting Hindu and Buddhist influences.

What tentative status means

A country’s Tentative List identifies properties it considers suitable for potential nomination to the World Heritage List. Inclusion is a preliminary requirement for a formal nomination, but it does not guarantee inscription.

A formal nomination is evaluated before the World Heritage Committee decides whether to inscribe a property. India had 81 properties on its Tentative List in the information provided; that number may change as UNESCO updates its records.

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