Geoheritage and Geotourism Potential of Kalaruch Old Workings (Ancient Mines) and Satbarren (Archeological Stone) in Kashmir Valley of Himalaya.

Kashmir Valley besides being famous as a luring destination of tourism and other recreational activities is also rich in diverse geology, geomorphology, archeology, and cultural history. The present study describes the geoheritage and geotourism potential of the Kalaruch old workings (ancient mines) and Satbarren (archeological stone) and highlights its significance for preservation, conservation, and sustainable development. These unique structures are of immense geological, archeological, historical, cultural, educational, and scientific importance. Its surroundings with beautiful topography and geomorphic landforms covered with lush green forests possess the marvelous potential for geotourism development. In this area, more than 8 old workings (OWs) clustered along a major quartz vein of strike length ~3.5 km (from Madmadou-Lashteal-Lainat Top to Gagarnar) and the average width of ~9 m (2–15 m) are present. The quartz vein is hosted within the Lolab Formation of the Lower Cambrian age that represents the oldest lithounits of the Paleozoic succession of the Kashmir Nappe Zone. The Formation shows profuse development of ichno fossils and tentatively marks the Precambrian-Cambrian (P-C) boundary in the area. Prominent sulfide mineralization of pyrite, arsenopyrite, chalcopyrite, malachite, and azurite is present within the main quartz vein, its host rock and on the walls of OWs respectively. Conversely, the Satbarren is an archeological giant slaty rock that is meticulously crafted and half buried in the ground. It comprises 9 shallow carved shelves (doors) that do not represent any distinct route to Russia and other neighboring countries as commonly believed. However, the Kalaruch OWs and Satbarren stone form an important geo-archeological artifact that indicates ancient mining activities by early civilization probably during ~3300–1000 BC in the area. Therefore, developing this place as a geoheritage and geotourism site will help in enhancing the socio-economic status of the local population and conserve it for future geologists, archeologists, researchers, students, and curious tourists. For its geoconservation and sustainable development, certain recommendations are provided in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]