Latest news with #TentativeList
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Uttar Pradesh's Salkhan Fossil Park makes it to USESCO tentative list: Stunning facts about the park
Good news coming from Uttar Pradesh. Salkhan Fossil Park, also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park, has recently been added to UNESCO's Tentative List for World Heritage Sites. It's an incredible achievement for Uttar Pradesh which is a step towards international recognition of its geological and paleontological attraction. Situated in Salkhan village in Sonbhadra district, near Robertsganj, the park is spread across 25 hectares in the Kaimur Range. It boasts fossils up to 1.4 billion years old! Here are five stunning facts about Salkhan: Home to Prehistoric Stromatolites and Living Relics of the Mesoproterozoic The park offers an insight into the planet's earliest life forms as it is home to stromatolites which are layered sedimentary structures formed by ancient cyanobacteria or blue-green algae. These are microorganisms that have been photosynthesized. These stromatolites belong to the Mesoproterozoic era (1.6–1.0 billion years ago). These are extremely rare geological formations across the globe. Salkhan is much older than sites like Shark Bay in Australia and Yellowstone the USA. An insight into early life Salkhan is an extremely important site for many reasons as it has shattered the beliefs of scientists and geologists. For years, geologists thought life existed only from around 570 million years ago. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo However, stromatolites discovered at Salkhan are older than that. These fossils are landmarks offering new perspectives about the Earth's earliest biosphere and oceanic ecosystems. Opening of the park Though geological surveys in the region began as early as the 1930s, the site was officially opened as a fossil park in 2002. A major Canadian-led workshop in December 2002 brought 42 scientists from around the globe, including renowned geologist H. J. Hoffman. He called the fossils 'beautiful and clear'. Eco-Tourism hub The Uttar Pradesh government has actively funded the site. The government has approved INR 1.5 crores for visitor amenities. It includes nature trails, security, and interpretive centers. An MoU with Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences in Lucknow has supported scientific documentation, leading to UNESCO Tentative List submission by June 2025. A dossier for final UNESCO candidacy is being prepared by local authorities which will be prepared by 2026. The fossil park is about 12 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district and can be easily reached via SH‑5A. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
News18
23-06-2025
- News18
UP's Salkhan Fossils Park Gains Global Spotlight With UNESCO Heritage Sites Nomination
Last Updated: The park's inclusion on UNESCO's official website highlights its global importance, showcasing some of the earliest known evidence of life on Earth. Uttar Pradesh's Sonbhadra district has gained international recognition as the Salkhan Fossils Park, dating back 1.4 billion years, has been added to UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. This is a significant step towards achieving full UNESCO World Heritage Site status, anticipated within the next two years. The park's inclusion on UNESCO's official website highlights its global importance, showcasing some of the earliest known evidence of life on Earth. State's Push for Global Eco-Tourism The state's Eco-Tourism Development Board, under the directives of the Chief Minister, is preparing a comprehensive dossier for submission to the Government of India. This nomination document will be crucial for the final bid to secure permanent recognition. Principal Secretary of Tourism Mukesh Meshram noted, 'This achievement is the result of the government's persistent efforts to bring Uttar Pradesh's natural heritage to the global forefront." This milestone comes shortly after the state introduced Vistadome coaches for scenic train journeys between Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary and Dudhwa Tiger Reserve. Fossils from the Ancient Vindhyan Sea Salkhan Fossils Park, located near Salkhan village, about 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra, spans 25 hectares and houses exceptionally well-preserved stromatolites—layered microbial formations in sandstone—dating back around 1.4 billion years. These fossils were formed when the region was submerged under the ancient Vindhyan Sea. A significant step towards UNESCO nomination involved the signing of an MoU on June 26, 2024, between the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow. BSIP's scientific investigation confirmed the presence of stromatolites and blue-green algae fossils, reinforcing the park's case for global recognition. Scientific Significance and Global Comparisons Prof Vaibhav Srivastava from Banaras Hindu University's Department of Geology highlighted the scientific importance: 'Previously, it was believed that life did not exist before 570 million years ago. However, discoveries here and in Yellowstone National Park have reshaped that understanding. Salkhan's fossils represent one of the oldest signs of life ever discovered." Prof. Srivastava, who led a multinational geological team to the park in 2022, emphasised the educational and academic value of the site. 'It's a vital resource for the scientific community and students, offering a direct glimpse into Earth's history," he added. Geologist Prof M Sharma, former officiating director of BSIP, noted that stromatolites were first discovered at the site in 1933 by JB Auden of the Geological Survey of India. Sharma's team later confirmed the presence of akinetes—spores formed in hostile environments—indicating how ancient life survived in harsh conditions. 'These structures not only date back over a billion years, but they also reveal how life evolved under adversity," he said. Geologists Prof BP Singh and Prof Umashankar Shukla of BHU stated that since Auden's discovery, numerous global researchers have visited and studied the site, making it one of the most researched fossil beds in India. What Makes Salkhan Unique Globally Director of Tourism Prakhar Mishra outlined the procedural roadmap: 'Inclusion in the Tentative List is the initial step. Next, we submit a detailed dossier, followed by a UNESCO team's site inspection. We are aiming for final inscription within two years." He also mentioned a comparative study with other global fossil sites. 'While fossils at Yellowstone (USA) are around 500 million years old, Mistaken Point and Joggins Cliffs in Canada are about 550 and 310 million years old respectively. In contrast, Salkhan's stromatolites are 1.4 billion years old—making it one of the oldest bio-signature sites on Earth." On the Ground: Guarding Earth's Deep History Forest guard Shyam Sundar Gautam, who has been protecting the park for over two decades, recalled a team of scientists visiting in 2002. 'They informed us that the fossils were extremely old. Since then, I've been here 24/7 to guard them," he said. He observed that visitor numbers have grown from about 10 people a day to nearly 100, reflecting the increasing interest in this ancient site. Eco-Tourism Meets Education and Preservation Situated between the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhya mountain range, the park blends scientific significance with natural beauty. Its inclusion in the UNESCO Tentative List not only underscores its geological importance but also promises to enhance Uttar Pradesh's status in the global eco-tourism arena. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : fossil Sonbhadra UNESCO Heritage site uttar pradesh Location : Lucknow, India, India First Published: June 23, 2025, 17:31 IST News india UP's Salkhan Fossils Park Gains Global Spotlight With UNESCO Heritage Sites Nomination
India.com
22-06-2025
- India.com
UP's Salkhan Fossils Park Joins UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List
In a significant achievement for Uttar Pradesh, Salkhan Fossils Park -- one of the world's oldest fossil sites secured a place in Unesco's tentative list of World Heritage Sites on Sunday. This development is expected to propel Uttar Pradesh's tourism to new heights on the international stage. The park is set to attain full World Heritage status within the next two years. Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of the Tourism Department, stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently undertaken key initiatives to strengthen tourism in the state, with a particular focus on eco-tourism. He said that the Board achieved a major accomplishment days ago, by securing a place for Salkhan Fossils Park -- located near Salkhan village, approximately 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra -- on UNESCO's Tentative List. The Tourism Department had been working towards this goal for the past year. A pivotal step in the process was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow. The institute conducted scientific studies of the park's fossil-bearing rocks, which revealed 1.4 billion-year-old stromatolites and algae fossils -- considered some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth. These findings formed the scientific foundation for the park's nomination to UNESCO. This recognition not only highlights the geological significance of Salkhan Fossils Park but also places Uttar Pradesh prominently on the global eco-tourism map. Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra explained that the process of including any site in the UNESCO World Heritage List begins with its entry into the Tentative List. Following this, a comprehensive dossier is prepared, which forms the basis for the nomination to the permanent list. This entire process typically takes about a year and includes an on-site evaluation by a UNESCO team. He informed that the dossier for Salkhan Fossils Park in Sonbhadra is currently being prepared and will soon be submitted to the government of India for forwarding to the Unesco. He expressed optimism that the park could be officially inscribed on the permanent World Heritage List within the next two years. Such recognition would not only bring international acclaim to Uttar Pradesh but also significantly enhance its global tourism profile. Amid rising national and international interest in the Earth's ancient natural heritage, Salkhan Fossils Park -- also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park -- is emerging as a key site of global importance. Situated near Salkhan village, about 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, the park lies in a picturesque region between the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhya mountain range. Spread across 25 hectares, the park is home to exceptionally well-preserved stromatolites -- layered, microbial rock formations embedded in ancient sandstone and dating back roughly 1.4 billion years. These fossils represent some of the earliest known life forms and provide invaluable insights into the planet's biological and geological history.
Hans India
22-06-2025
- Hans India
UP's Salkhan Fossils Park joins Unesco's tentative World Heritage List
In a significant achievement for Uttar Pradesh, Salkhan Fossils Park -- one of the world's oldest fossil sites secured a place in Unesco's tentative list of World Heritage Sites on Sunday. This development is expected to propel Uttar Pradesh's tourism to new heights on the international stage. The park is set to attain full World Heritage status within the next two years. Mukesh Meshram, Principal Secretary of Tourism Department stated that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has consistently undertaken key initiatives to strengthen tourism in the state, with a particular focus on eco-tourism. He said that the Board achieved major accomplishment days ago, by securing a place for Salkhan Fossils Park -- located near Salkhan village, approximately 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra -- on UNESCO's Tentative List. The Tourism Department had been working towards this goal for the past year. A pivotal step in the process was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Uttar Pradesh Eco-Tourism Development Board and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow. The institute conducted scientific studies of the park's fossil-bearing rocks, which revealed 1.4 billion-year-old stromatolites and algae fossils -- considered some of the earliest evidence of life on Earth. These findings formed the scientific foundation for the park's nomination to UNESCO. This recognition not only highlights the geological significance of Salkhan Fossils Park but also places Uttar Pradesh prominently on the global eco-tourism map. Tourism Director Prakhar Mishra explained that the process of including any site in the UNESCO World Heritage List begins with its entry into the Tentative List. Following this, a comprehensive dossier is prepared, which forms the basis for the nomination to the permanent list. This entire process typically takes about a year and includes an on-site evaluation by a UNESCO team. He informed that the dossier for Salkhan Fossils Park in Sonbhadra is currently being prepared and will soon be submitted to the government of India for forwarding to the Unesco. He expressed optimism that the park could be officially inscribed on the permanent World Heritage List within the next two years. Such recognition would not only bring international acclaim to Uttar Pradesh but also significantly enhance its global tourism profile. Amid rising national and international interest in the Earth's ancient natural heritage, Salkhan Fossils Park -- also known as Sonbhadra Fossils Park -- is emerging as a key site of global importance. Situated near Salkhan village, about 15 km from Robertsganj in Sonbhadra district, the park lies in a picturesque region between the Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary and the Vindhya mountain range. Spread across 25 hectares, the park is home to exceptionally well-preserved stromatolites -- layered, microbial rock formations embedded in ancient sandstone and dating back roughly 1.4 billion years. These fossils represent some of the earliest known life forms and provide invaluable insights into the planet's biological and geological history.
