Department of Information and Public Relations

Press Release No. 699/18

INTERNATIONAL FOSSIL DAY CELEBRATED

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), North Eastern Region (NER) today celebrated International Fossil Day in a function held at its office premises in Nongrim Hills, Shillong. The programme aimed at highlighting the scientific and educational value of fossils and paleontology and the importance of preserving fossils for future generations. The event was inaugurated by the Additional Director General & HOD, GSI, North Eastern Region Shillong, Shri. Mulk Raj Sarngal, who informed that this was the first time that GSI, NER was celebrating International Fossil Day in the State. Adding that the age of the earth is calculated at about 4.6 billion years and according to the recent researches the records of earliest life in earth is now suspected to be 3.77 billion years, made by microbes in a shallow ocean, he said that it took even less than 1 billion years, for life to appear on earth. Shri. Sarngal also added that fossils provide us with the information regarding the evolution of life through the geologic record and therefore, International Fossil Day aims to cultivate public awareness and stewardship of fossils and to promote a greater appreciation of its scientific and educational value.

Dr. Tapan Pal, Director, Policy Support System, Geological Survey of India, said that Meghalaya is a treasure trove for geologist 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 for the age when Dinosaurs went extinct, he added. Dr. Pal also informed that GSI is working closely with the State Government to declare this area as a geo-heritage site. As part of the celebration, students from the Glakyn academy, Shillong interacted with Dr. D Mukherjee, Superintending Geologist, Ms. Bashisha Iangrai Sr. Geologist and Mr. M A Khonglah, Sr. Geologist and also visited the exhibition of fossils put on display.