The Geological Survey of India (GSI) has recently brought to light two new geo-heritage sites situated in the Indian Himalayan Region. These sites are namely, the Siwalik Fossil Park in Himachal Pradesh and the Stromatolite bearing Dolomite / Limestone of Buxa Formation in Sikkim. The discovery of these two sites takes the total count of Geological Heritage Sites in India to 34. Prior to this, the GSI had identified various geological locations across the Northeast for the promotion of geo-tourism.
Key Points on the Latest Geological Discoveries
The Siwalik Fossil Park, located in Himachal Pradesh, boasts a vast array of vertebrate fossils retrieved from the Siwalik rocks of the Plio-Pleistocene age, which ranges from 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. The narrow linear depression, called the ‘fore deep’, witnessed the deposition of Siwalik sediments. This development began in front of the Himalayas around the middle Miocene period, spanning from 23 million to 2.6 million years ago.
Likewise, the Stromatolite bearing Dolomite or Limestone of Buxa Formation in Sikkim is another geo-heritage site. It exposes the lithounits of the Buxa Formation from the Daling Group, which falls within the Proterozoic age, dating back to 2.5 billion to 541 million years ago. The sedimentary rocks found at this site, also known as dolostones, are densely stromatolitic – structures created by Precambrian algae. This site offers a rare glimpse into early life in the Sikkim Himalaya.
Understanding Geo-heritage Sites
Geo-heritage refers to geological features that hold inherent or cultural significance, providing insight into earth’s evolution or history related to earth science. These sites can also be employed for educational purposes. The GSI is the primary body responsible for identifying and protecting geo-heritage sites or national geological monuments in India.
National Geological Monuments Across States
India boasts a wide range of geological heritage sites spread across different states. Some notable examples are the Volcanogenic bedded Barytes, Eparchaean Unconformity, Natural Geological Arch in Andhra Pradesh; Laterite near Angadipuram PWD rest house premises, Varkala Cliff Section in Kerala; Fossil wood near Tiruvakkarai, National fossil wood park in Tamilnadu; and the Sedimentary Structures – Eddy Markings, Kadan Dam in Gujarat.
About UNESCO Global Geoparks
UNESCO Global Geoparks are unique geographical areas that manage sites and landscapes of global geological significance through a combination of protection, education, and sustainable development. Despite having 169 UNESCO Global Geoparks scattered across 44 countries, India is yet to have its own.
The Role of the Geological Survey of India
Established in 1851, the Geological Survey of India was initially formed with the prime objective of locating coal deposits for the Railways. Today, it operates as an attached office to the Ministry of Mines, primarily responsible for creating and updating national geo-scientific information and assessing mineral resources. Its headquarters is in Kolkata.