Chhattisgarh's Timeless Treasure

Gondwana Marine Fossil Park isn’t just a tourist marvel — it’s a model of conservation, education, community livelihood and responsible development

- ANIL SWARUP

In today’s fast-paced world, as cities expand and technology permeates every aspect of life, places that remain untouched by time have become increasingly rare.

Yet, nestled in the heart of Manendragarh Forest in Chhattisgarh lies a remarkable site that tells the story of life from nearly 290 million years ago. This marvel is now officially recognised with the opening of the Gondwana Marine Fossil Park on April 26, 2025—the largest marine fossil site in Asia. Chhattisgarh is taking a leadership role in promoting conservation-focused tourism, creating opportunities for geological education, and supporting local communities through ecological initiatives.

The inauguration of the Gondwana Marine Fossil Park is a significant milestone for the Surguja division of Chhattisgarh, exemplifying a story of transformation. More than a grand ceremony, the conversion of this once-overlooked geological site into a vibrant tourist destination underscores the region’s progress. Much of the project's success can be attributed to the vision of Divisional Forest Officer Manish Kashyap, a 2015 Indian Forest Service officer.

Preserving our Planet's Prehistoric Legacy

In 1954, geologist SK Ghosh made an extraordinary discovery during coal mining operations along the Hasdeo River. Beneath the earth's surface, he uncovered fossil beds stretching over a kilometre and filled with the remarkable remains of ancient marine life. These fossils include various creatures such as clams, brachiopods (a type of shellfish), snails, crinoids (star-like sea creatures), and bryozoans (tiny colonial animals). Many date back to the Permian period—a pivotal era in Earth’s history—making them among the oldest marine fossils ever discovered in India.