Rare and preserved fossil discovered in Pakur

Why in the NEWS?

• An important scientific discovery has been made in Pakur district of Jharkhand.

Key Points: 

• Geologists and forest officials have unearthed a rare and well-preserved fossil in the Rajmahal Hills located near Barmasia village.
• Geologist Ranjit Singh, who led the discovery, has claimed that the fossil is about 100-145 million years old.
• The plant, which is believed to belong to the Cretaceous period, has been fossilised in its true form.
• Geologists believe that extensive exploration in this region can also lead to the possibility of finding dinosaur fossils.
• In addition, this exploration can help scientists gain a better understanding of geological activities and climate changes.

What will you read next in this topic?

1. Historical Importance of Rajmahal Hills
2. Rajmahal Fossil Park
3. Geological Survey of India (GSI):

Historical Importance of Rajmahal Hills

• The Rajmahal Hills are formed due to at least 16 to 18 lava flows.
• Scientists believe that these hills had several volcanic eruptions in the past, which affected the climate and ecosystem here.
• The abundance of fossils in this area indicates that vast vegetation was once found here.
• This area was part of the Gondwana landmass, and the structure here makes it clear that it was once a dense forest area.
• The fossils found in these hills provide evidence of vegetation and volcanic activities.
• In ancient times, this area must have been the center of various biodiversity, which got extinct due to geological processes over time.
• According to facts recorded in history, this area was used for military strategy during the 16th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
• These hills were important from a strategic point of view and trade routes also passed through here.
• The region remained important even during British rule, as it was rich in coal mines and other mineral resources.

Rajmahal Fossil Park

• Located in the Rajmahal Hills of Jharkhand, Rajmahal Fossil Park is one of the geological heritages of India.
• The fossils found here offer a glimpse of the ancient ecosystem and climate history of the Indian subcontinent.
• There are plans to develop this area as an important center for geo-tourism and scientific research at the global level.

Major fossils found in Fossil Park

• Plant fossils – Remains of extinct flora like gymnosperms, ferns, and cycads are found here.
• Tree fossils – Fossils of trees up to 20 feet tall have been discovered, indicating that this area was once covered with vast dense forests.
• Possible dinosaur fossils – Scientists estimate that if extensive research is done in this area, remains of dinosaurs or other ancient creatures can also be found.

Conservation and development plans

• It is proposed to develop the Rajmahal Fossil Park as a UNESCO Global Geo-park to make it an international level geo-tourism and research centre. Under this:
  • A geo-tourism centre will be set up to provide information to tourists and researchers about the fossils and the geological history of the Rajmahal Hills.
  • A scientific research centre and a Centre of Excellence will be set up where geologists and students will be able to carry out research.
  • A site conservation programme will be implemented to conserve the fossils so that these ancient remains can be saved from damage.

Geological Survey of India (GSI):

• Geological Survey of India (GSI) is the premier geological institution of India, which conducts research and surveys related to the country's geology, mineral resources, environmental geology, seismology and geo-tourism.
• It works under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India and was established in 1851 by the British Government.

Main objectives of GSI

• Geological Survey and Mapping - Studying the geological structure of India and preparing maps.
• Exploration of Mineral Resources - To find deposits of various precious metals, coal, iron ore, bauxite, and other minerals.
• Seismology and Disaster Management - Monitoring and analysis of earthquakes, landslides, and other geological disasters.
• Hydrology and Environmental Studies - Study of water resources and geological activities related to environmental protection.
• Bio-geological Research - Discovery of fossils and study of the geological history of India through them.

Historical background of GSI

• GSI was established in 1851 under the leadership of Thomas Oldham.
• Initially its main objective was to explore coal and other mineral resources, but later its scope expanded to other areas of geology.
• After independence, GSI was empowered for industrial development and structural geological studies of India.

Major activities of GSI

• Mineral exploration - Surveying the mineral resources present in the country and locating potential mines.
• Geological mapping - Preparing geological maps of the whole of India, which are useful for construction, mining, and environmental research.
• Monitoring geo-disasters - Studying earthquakes, landslides, coastal erosion and other geological disasters and suggesting measures to deal with them.
• Hydrology and water resources management - Studying groundwater level and quality of water sources.
• Geo-tourism and palaeontology - Discovery and preservation of fossils, which can provide information about the geological history of India.

Important Projects and Initiatives

• National Geological Mapping Programme (NGMP) – Project to prepare detailed geological maps in all the states of India.
• Mineral Exploration Projects – Exploration and evaluation of mineral deposits in different parts of the country.
• Bio-geological Studies – Geological research in areas with ancient fossils and deposits such as Rajmahal Hills.
• Geo-tourism Development – ​​Scheme to develop important geological sites of India as tourist destinations.

Contributions and Importance of GSI

• GSI has played a vital role in the exploration of the mineral resources of the country, leading to the identification of coal, iron ore, bauxite, gold, and other minerals.
• Its seismic studies and mapping have helped in identifying earthquake prone areas of India.
• Studies of water resources have helped in maintaining groundwater levels and water conservation efforts.
• GSI is running conservation and awareness programmes at several important sites to promote geo-tourism.