In a significant step towards the preservation of India’s rich geological heritage, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Pakur, Saurav Chandra, along with Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh and geologists Saurabh Pal and Anjali Pal from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Jharkhand State Unit, conducted a survey of fossil-bearing sites in the Pakur district.
The visit was carried out as part of the 175th Foundation Day celebrations of the Geological Survey of India, observed annually on March 4. GSI has been at the forefront of fossil discovery and conservation efforts across India.
Significance of Pakur’s Fossil Sites
DFO Saurav Chandra emphasized the need for preserving the region’s fossil sites, which hold immense scientific importance in understanding the paleo-biodiversity and paleo-flora from the Early Cretaceous period. He highlighted the necessity of conducting rigorous scientific studies to classify fossilized wood specimens accurately.
Dr Ranjit Kumar Singh, Principal of Model College, Rajmahal, Sahibganj, visited several crucial fossil sites, including Barmasia, Solgadia, and Sonajori Hills in Pakur. The visit aimed to engage with local communities and raise awareness about the conservation and preservation of these ancient wooden fossils.
Cultural Beliefs and Scientific Breakthroughs
For decades, local villagers have revered fossilized wood, mistaking them for sacred objects distinct from ordinary rocks. However, over the past century, leading geologists, researchers from GSI and BSIP, have systematically identified and classified these Gondwana plant fossils. Their research underscores the urgent need to preserve these unique fossilized trees for future generations, geologists, and science enthusiasts.
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Recognizing the region’s scientific and cultural significance, Pakur’s Forest Department, in collaboration with GSI and Dr. Ranjit Kumar Singh, proposed a Geoheritage Development Plan. This initiative aims to conserve these rare fossilized woods with the collective efforts of the local community, state, and central government.
GSI experts also discussed with local villagers, administrators, and the Jharkhand Forest Department how an exclusive Geopark could be developed in the area. Given the region’s enormous potential, experts shared their insights on systematically developing geosites. They highlighted that the heritage value of fossil forests is unparalleled and stressed the importance of conserving them in their natural state.
A formal proposal for a large-scale Geopark, aligned with internationally recognized UNESCO standards, will be drafted to ensure the systematic preservation of Pakur’s fossil sites. This initiative is expected to position Jharkhand as a key player in geo-tourism and paleo-biodiversity conservation, making the region a landmark for global geological research.
