Fossil National Park UPSC

Fossil National Park is a regional park in Madhya Pradesh that showcases a rich collection of plant fossils. It is also known as Dindori Plant Fossils National Park or Ghughua Fossil Park.

Ghughua Fossil National Park is a unique destination in India. It contains a priceless treasure trove of plant fossils. It is the largest Fossil Park in Asia and second largest in world.

Table of Contents

Location
History
Area
Plant Fossils
UPSC Questions

Fossil National Park Location

Fossil National Park is situated near Shahpura village in the Dindori district of Madhya Pradesh, India. It is approximately 65 kilometers from Jabalpur.

Nearest Airport:

Dumna Airport, Jabalpur.

Nearest Railway Station:

Jabalpur Railway Junction

Nearest Highway:

Ghughua Fossil Park is located near National Highway 11.
National Highway 11 is situated 14 km from Shahpura and 76 km from Jabalpur.

Fossil National Park History (Fossil National Park Established)

Fossil National Park has a fascinating history. It holds significant importance for its rich fossil heritage. Let's explore the park's history and its transformation into a recognized national park.

1. Foundation: In the 1970s, the Fossil National Park site was founded by Dr. Dharmendra Prasad, who held the positions of Secretary of the Archaeological Society and the statistical officer of Mandla District, Madhya Pradesh. Driven by his passion for fossils, Dr. Prasad recognized the area's potential for preserving and studying prehistoric remains.

2. Discovery and Development: With dedicated efforts, Dr. Prasad and his team uncovered a wealth of fossils within the region. These fossils provided valuable insights into the geological and biological history of the area. Excavations and research continued, gradually expanding the knowledge about the park's paleontological significance.

3. Declaration as a National Park: In 1983, recognizing the importance of the fossil site, Fossil National Park was officially declared as a National Park. This designation bestowed legal protection on the area, ensuring the preservation and conservation of its unique geological and paleontological features.

4. Significance and Attractions: Fossil National Park's recognition as a National Park has brought attention to its scientific and educational value. The park showcases a diverse range of fossils, including plant remains, marine creatures, and other ancient organisms, providing a glimpse into the distant past.

Fossil National Park Area

Fossil National Park is spread over an area of 75 acres of land (0.30 km2) where attractive and rare fossils of leaves and trees are found.

The Fossil National Park spread over 7 villages of Dindori district namely-

Ghuguwa
Umaria
Deorakhurd
Barbaspur
Chanti Hills
Chargaon
Deori Kohani

Fossil National Park's Plant Fossils

The Fossil National Park is renowned for its fossilized tree trunks, which are estimated to be around 65 million years old from the Upper Cretaceous period. These fossils provide valuable insights into the flora and environment that existed during that era.

Numerous plant, leaf, fruit, seed, and shell fossils are found in the Fossil National Park, the most prominent of which are the palm fossils.

So for, plant fossils belonging to 31 genera of 18 families have been identified in Fossil National Park.

Petrification:

The fossilized trees at Ghughua Fossil Park have undergone a process known as petrification, where the organic material is replaced by minerals, resulting in the preservation of the tree's form and structure.

Petrified trunks of trees have been identified as gymnosperms and Angiosperms Monocotyledons and palms. There are certain Bryophytes also in Fossil National Park.