Which one among the following was added in the year 2012 in the list of World Heritage Sites of the UNESCO ?

The Western Ghats were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List during the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee held in St. Petersburg, Russia, on July 1, 2012 [2]. This natural site was recognized for its outstanding universal value, representing significant ecological and biological processes and serving as a critical habitat for biodiversity conservation [2]. In contrast, the Agra Fort and Ajanta Caves were among the first Indian sites to be added to the list, both receiving the status much earlier in 1983 [3]. The Meenakshi Temple in Madurai is currently on India's tentative list but has not yet been designated as a World Heritage Site [1]. The Western Ghats are also recognized as one of the world's eight 'hottest hotspots' of biological diversity [1].

Sources

1. [1] Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 4: BIODIVERSITY > Western ghats as a World Heritage site > p. 57
2. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 5: Natural Vegetation and National Parks > Western Ghats: A World Heritage Site > p. 55
3. [3] https://static.pib.gov.in/WriteReadData/specificdocs/documents/2024/jul/doc2024718350501.pdf