Salkhan Fossil Park in Sonbhadra Joins UNESCO Tentative List

Some good news came for Uttar Pradesh. Recently, Sonbhadra Fossil Park, also called Salkhan Fossil Park, was included in UNESCO's Tentative List of World Heritage Sites. It's a remarkable accomplishment for Uttar Pradesh and a step toward the state's geological and paleontological appeal being recognized internationally. 

The park, which spans 25 hectares in the Kaimur Range, is located in Salkhan village in Sonbhadra district, close to Robertsganj. Fossils as old as 1.4 billion years can be found there!

Interesting Facts About Salkhan Park

Check some of the interesting key facts about this prehistoric park below:

1. Prehistoric Stromatolites and Living Mesoproterozoic Relics Can Be Found Here

Stratolites, layered sedimentary formations made by ancient cyanobacteria or blue-green algae, can be found in the park, providing insight into the planet's earliest life forms. These microbes have undergone photosynthetic processes. The Mesoproterozoic period (1.6–1.0 billion years ago) is when these stromatolites were formed. These are among the world's most uncommon geological formations. Salkhan is far older than places like Yellowstone in the USA and Shark Bay in Australia.

2. An understanding of early life

Because it has challenged the assumptions of geologists and scientists, Salkhan is a very significant location for a variety of reasons. For many years, geologists believed that life began about 570 million years ago.

Stromatolites found at Salkhan, however, are older than that. These fossils are important monuments that provide fresh insights into the early oceanic ecosystems and ecology on Earth.

3. When was Park Opened?

The site was formally opened as a fossil park in 2002, although geological research in the area dates back to the 1930s. In December 2002, 42 experts from around the world, including famous geologist H. J. Hoffman, participated in a significant workshop led by Canada. The fossils were described as "beautiful and clear" by him.

4. Eco-tourism center

The site has received active funding from the Uttar Pradesh government. INR 1.5 crores has been approved by the government for guest amenities. It has interpretive centers, security, and nature walks. By supporting scientific evidence through an MOU with the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences in Lucknow, the UNESCO Tentative List will be submitted by June 2025. Local authorities are working on a dossier for the final UNESCO candidacy, which should be ready by 2026.

5. Salkhan Park Location

The fossil park is easily accessible by SH-5A and is located in Sonbhadra district, approximately 12 km from Robertsganj.