The Tourism Department of Uttar Pradesh has set its sights on an ambitious goal – securing a spot for the fossil park near Asia’s largest and ancient Salkhan Fossil Park, located in Sonbhadra district, on the prestigious United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) list.
The fossil park in Sonbhadra district has long been a magnet for palaeontologists and tourists from around the world, drawing an estimated 1,400 million visitors annually. In a bid to further enhance the appeal of this unique site, plans are underway to develop essential infrastructure facilities, catering to the needs of visitors and enhancing their experience.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh, on Tuesday, emphasized the government’s commitment to place Uttar Pradesh prominently on the global tourism map. He stated, “Efforts are being made to introduce the fossil park to the world by seeking inclusion in the UNESCO list.”
Recently, a team from the department, accompanied by Dr. MG Thakkar, Director of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), visited the park. Singh pointed out that Sonbhadra boasts numerous natural formations and picturesque spots that hold great potential for tourists and fossil enthusiasts. Accordingly, comprehensive tourism development plans will be implemented to harness this potential fully.
The Minister explained that fossils are the preserved remains of ancient creatures that once inhabited the Earth or the impressions they left in rocks. The study of various fossils offers insights into different animal categories that existed in different geological periods. The variety of fossil shapes has intrigued scientists, making them subjects of significant scientific interest.
The fossils discovered in this park belong to the algae and stromatolites category, with an estimated age of 1,400 million years. Currently maintained by the Forest Department, this park remains relatively lesser-known due to the lack of essential facilities for visitors.
To remedy this situation, the Tourism Department aims to not only develop fundamental tourist facilities but also disseminate information through various channels. Increased popularity of the fossil park is expected to benefit the local community through enhanced tourism income.
Singh noted that UNESCO, as a United Nations organization, recognizes cultural and natural heritage sites globally. While Uttar Pradesh already includes renowned sites like Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri, Taj Mahal, Sarnath, and the Ghats of Varanasi on the UNESCO list, the effort is underway to secure a spot for the Fossil Park in Sonbhadra district. The fossils in this park continue to fascinate geologists, and ongoing research is conducted to unlock their secrets. However, the lack of necessary amenities has hindered tourism growth, a gap the government aims to bridge.
