Chhattisgarh's marine fossils park in shambles

Baikunthpur: The only marine fossils park of Chhattisgarh, situated in Manendragarh tehsil of district Korea, lies in shambles. The park was being developed by forest department, following discovery of rich collection of marine fossils that are 2.5 million years old. However, after receiving some initial money for fencing, the park site has not received any more funds.
Situated in Amakherwa area on the outskirts of Manendragarh on banks of river Hasdev, these fossils were first discovered by forest officials a few years ago. Following this, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow, was consulted about it and a team of scientists were sent to the area, who confirmed the presence of marine fossils and suggested that it should be developed as a geo-heritage centre.
Speaking to TOI, Manendragarh DFO S Venkatachalam informed that forest department drew up a plan to develop the area as a park in 2014. "Accordingly, the area containing fossils was fenced off. Initially it was fenced with barbed wires attached to MS angle poles. However, these poles along with barbed wires were stolen by unscrupulous elements. As a result, the MS angle poles were replaced with concrete poles and barbed wire fencing was changed to channel link fencing. A permanent guard was also posted at the site," he said.
Initial amount received for the park, which was about Rs 15 lakh, was exhausted in fencing the area and erecting a gate. After 2014, however, no more funds were allocated for development of the park. As a result, the next phase of development, which included beautification and landscaping of the area, is still pending.
He further said that a fresh proposal for proper development of park will be sent to state government. "Besides, the forest department will also seek help and guidance from the department of archaeology in this connection," he added.
Chhattisgarh is rich with presence of forests, wild life, minerals and archaelogical monuments. If developed properly, the marine fossils park will be an added feather on its cap.