Two Kashmir Fossil Sites Granted Protected Status, Down South  | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: In a significant step towards conserving Kashmir’s geological heritage, authorities have begun extending protected status to several ancient fossil sites in Anantnag district, following a series of scientifically verified discoveries that date back hundreds of millions of years.

According to Daily Excelsior, the Jammu and Kashmir Forest Department, Anantnag Division, in coordination with the Geological Survey of India (GSI), has brought three fossil-rich locations under protection to conserve rare geological resources and promote research and geo-tourism. Two scientifically identified sites—Halsidar and Saskhudan Kapran—located within the Verinag Forest Range, have already been fenced and equipped with signboards and visitor guidelines as they fall within forest land.

Officials told Daily Excelsior that the initiative is aimed at safeguarding rare fossil wealth, raising awareness about Kashmir’s prehistoric past, and creating opportunities for education, scientific study and sustainable tourism. “Fencing, signboards and dos and don’ts have been installed to prevent damage and sensitise visitors,” an official said.

In another development, the GSI has identified a fossil geo-site at Maswati Narsanger in the Laroo area of the Kokernag Forest Range. Experts believe the site dates back nearly 260 million years, offering insights into life forms that existed long before the age of dinosaurs.

“The conservation and development work is being carried out by the Forest Department with technical support from the GSI,” an official said, adding that the effort would also support academic research. “Students and researchers can visit these sites, as fossil specimens are available there for study.”

Welcoming the move, subject expert Rouf Hamza said the protection of the sites was long overdue. “These locations were vulnerable earlier, but fencing has now been done. It is a welcome step,” he told Daily Excelsior, stressing that the fossil sites should also be included on the tourist map alongside destinations such as Verinag and Sarbal.

Meanwhile, Greater Kashmir reported that the recent conservation drive is part of a broader process triggered by grassroots discoveries made over the past five years by schoolteachers, students and young researchers across south Kashmir. What began as field explorations has since evolved into a series of scientifically examined fossil finds in Anantnag and Kulgam districts.

“These sites have been scientifically examined and mapped by the Geological Survey of India. They represent important geological periods and are of high research value,” Abdul Qayoom Paul, Director, GSI Kashmir, told Greater Kashmir.

Among the notable discoveries are the Halsidar and Saskhudan Kapran sites, initially reported by Fayaz Ahmad Hajam, a postgraduate in zoology, during field surveys. “The exposed strata show a wide fossil diversity, including ammonites, brachiopods, bivalves and plant remains,” Hajam said. GSI scientists later confirmed that the fossils belong to the Jurassic period, dating back 150 to 200 million years.

Paul said two additional geo-sites at Maswati-Narsinghar in the Kokernag area date to the Permian period, approximately 260 million years old. All identified sites fall within forest land and are now under the protection of the JK Forest Department.

“Fencing has been completed, information boards installed, and dos and don’ts clearly displayed,” Yasir Amin, Range Officer, Verinag, told Greater Kashmir. At Kokernag, Range Officer Adnan said similar measures had been implemented, adding that any tourism would be regulated to prevent damage.

Officials trace the surge in fossil discoveries to August 2021, when teachers Rauf Hamza and Manzoor Javaid, along with students, reported a major fossil site at Aharbal in Kulgam. That site, believed to date between 488 and 354 million years, spans the Ordovician to Devonian periods and drew the attention of scientific institutions.

Following subsequent discoveries across south Kashmir, fossil samples were collected by the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums and sent to national laboratories, including the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), for age verification.

Geologists say the growing prominence of south Kashmir’s fossil record reflects a rare convergence of community-led exploration and scientific validation. “Teachers, students and local youth have played a key role in identifying sites, which are now being scientifically documented and preserved,” a geologist told Greater Kashmir.

With fencing, mapping and documentation underway, officials say Anantnag and adjoining areas are steadily emerging as important centres of geological research, turning classroom curiosity into nationally recognised geo-heritage assets.