Marine fossil site to be declared National Geological Monument

Geological Survey of India would soon declare a marine fossil site in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu as a 'National Geological Monument,' a top GSI official said here today.
"We have already written to the Ministry of Science and Technology for declaring the site as a 'National Geological Monument'. When the consent comes from the Ministry, the declaration would be made," GSI Director General A Sundaramoorthy told PTI.
GSI has recorded rich marine fossils at the site in Ariyalur district of Tamil Nadu.
GSI has also sought land from the state government for the monument, he said, adding teams comprising GSI and state government officials had visited the site last week to inspect the area for demarcating the land required.

The state government has also allocated Rs two crore for the project, he said.
GSI has already declared 26 such sites located in various parts of the country as 'National geological Monuments.'
It also released a special publication to commemorate its 150 year anniversary celebration in 2001 to generate interest at large and help preserve these natural wonders as precious national heritage, which has the list of all 26 sites.