In a pioneering move towards preserving Jharkhand’s unique geological heritage, a team from the Centre for Promotion of Geoheritage and Geotourism (CPGG) at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) Lucknow, along with Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh of Model College Rajmahal Sahibganj, Jharkhand, embarked on a significant expedition.
The team visited several sites, including Bascobedo, Tara Pahad, Bascola, Gilamari and Gurmi Pahad, where rare insitu fossil wood is found, with the aim of engaging local communities in efforts to conserve and protect these invaluable geological treasures.
For decades, the villagers in these regions have revered the fossil wood, incorporated it into their rituals, and considered it a part of their local landscape.
However, recent advancements in paleobotanical research by Indian geologists, notably from BSIP Lucknow, and international Gondwana plant fossil researchers, have identified and classified this fossil wood, shedding light on its geological significance.
Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh emphasised the urgent need for conservation and preservation of these fossil wood sites for future generations, scientific researchers, and enthusiasts interested in the unique geological history of Jharkhand.
Under the banner of CPGG, BSIP proposed a comprehensive Geoheritage development plan in collaboration with Manish Tiwari, Divisional Forest Officer, Forest Department Jharkhand, to protect these sites through joint efforts involving local communities and government authorities.
During discussions led by BSIP Director Prof. MG Thakkar, stakeholders including local villagers, administrators, Forest Department officials, and representatives from Jharkhand’s Ecotourism sector explored the potential for establishing a dedicated Geopark in the region.
Dr. Shilpa Pandey, convenor of CPGG, and expert Dr. Suresh Pillai contributed insights into the systematic development of geosites, highlighting the vast opportunities for paleobotanical research in the area.
Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh presented a roadmap for the third phase of development, emphasizing the unique heritage value of Jharkhand’s fossil wood and advocating for its preservation in its natural state. The proposal envisions a large geopark designed according to UNESCO’s internationally recognized criteria, aimed at safeguarding and showcasing the geological marvels of the region.
This initiative marks a crucial step towards fostering awareness and collaboration for the conservation of Jharkhand’s geoheritage, ensuring that these significant fossil wood sites remain accessible and protected for generations to come.
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