Working on declaring Meghalaya a geoheritage site: GSI

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) on Tuesday said Meghalaya is a treasure trove with records of many geological events and the institution is working closely with the government to declare the state a geoheritage site.

Meghalaya is a treasure trove for geologists as the state recorded many geological events. The Therriaghat Um Sohryngkew river section in Meghalaya is well known for having the most complete Cretaceous-Palaeogene boundary transition in India, which is indicative of the age when dinosaurs went extinct, Geological Survey of India director for Policy Support System Tapan Pal said at an event to celebrate international fossil day here.

Pal said the GSI is working closely with the state government to declare this area as a geoheritage site.

Geoheritage is a generic term applied to sites or areas of geologic features with significant scientific, educational, cultural, or aesthetic value.

The event highlighted the scientific and educational value of fossils and paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations.

GSI Additional DG (North Eastern Region) Mulk Raj Sarngal said fossils provide us with the information regarding the evolution of life through the geologic record and the celebration is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of fossils with regards to their scientific and educational value.