A two-day scientific study has begun at Salkhan Fossil Park in Sonbhadra, where some of Earth’s oldest traces of life lie exposed on sunlit rock surfaces.
A team from the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow, is documenting stromatolites, layered structures formed by ancient cyanobacteria that are considered among the earliest fossils on the planet. The visit is part of the MoU between the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board and BSIP, State Tourism and Culture Minister Jaiveer Singh said here on Monday.
With support from the DFO Kaimur, BSIP’s Centre for Promotion of Geoheritage and Geotourism, led by Dr Shilpa Pandey, recorded stromatolite formations nearly 1.4 billion years old. These natural patterns capture the shift from a lifeless Earth to the emergence of living systems.
During the visit, Dr Pandey explained to forest officials and local visitors that the formations at Salkhan are chemical and biological markers of early life and not mere rock textures. She engaged with villagers and tourists, highlighting why this site is globally significant and needs careful conservation.
Team member Dr Sanjay Singh guided university students through the park, explaining how stromatolites formed, their scientific importance, and their rarity worldwide. The interaction aimed to spark curiosity among young learners about geoheritage.
Minister Jaiveer Singh said that Salkhan Fossil Park, set amid Sonbhadra’s natural landscapes, is one of India’s most important geological heritage sites. The UP Eco-Tourism Development Board has recently developed interpretive signage, fencing, a nature trail, resting points, and drinking water facilities to balance visitor access with the protection of delicate fossil surfaces.
Salkhan Fossil Park is already on the global map. In June 2025, it was added to UNESCO’s Tentative List under the Natural Heritage category, and efforts are underway to advance its nomination to the UNESCO World Heritage List, which would bring international recognition to this rare prehistoric treasure.