Kashmir’s fossil park joins India’s Geoheritage map
Srinagar, Oct 16: In a historic move, the Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, has declared the Guryul Ravine Geological Section at Khonmoh, Srinagar, as a National Geoheritage Site of international importance.
The announcement was made during the celebration of the 4th Edition of UNESCO International Geodiversity Day and the 9th Edition of International Geoethics Day in Kolkata on October 16.
The declaration, adopted by Director General, GSI, Asit Saha, marks a significant milestone for India’s geological community and environmental conservation in Jammu and Kashmir. Alongside Guryul Ravine, three other fossiliferous sites—Mandak Pal, Bursoo, and Pastun (Tral)—were also accorded Geoheritage status.
The Guryul Ravine Permian-Triassic Boundary section, located in Khonmoh, records an unbroken sedimentary succession from around 252 million years ago, representing the world’s greatest extinction event known as the Late Permian Mass Extinction (The Great Dying), which wiped out nearly 90% of marine and 70% of terrestrial life. The site, rich in fossils of bryozoa, brachiopods, gastropods, ammonoids, and conodonts, is one of the few complete Permian-Triassic boundary sections globally, making it a priceless scientific treasure.
On this occasion, GSI’s State Unit J&K and Ladakh, led by Dr P.S. Misra, Deputy Director General, and Abdul Qayoom Paul, Director, GSI Kashmir Office, organised an awareness and Swachhta Hi Sewa campaign with a plantation drive at the site. The event witnessed active participation from geoscientists, forest and wildlife officials, academic institutions, NGOs, local administration, and students. An information board identifying the Guryul Ravine as a National Geoheritage Site was also unveiled.
Eminent scientists, including Prof. Ghulam Jeelani (University of Kashmir), Prof GM Bhat (Retd, University of Jammu), and DFO Awantipora, Mudasir Nazar, attended the event.
Meanwhile, the Environmental Policy Group (EPG), which spearheaded advocacy for the site’s recognition for over a decade, expressed deep gratitude to the GSI.
In a statement, EPG Convenor Faiz Bakshi highlighted the group’s efforts in conservation and awareness, warning against ongoing industrial expansion in Khonmoh that threatens the fossil park. He emphasised that the declaration changes the legal framework for protection and urged authorities to prevent further encroachments.
Dr PS Misra honoured Faiz Bakshi and EPG for their sustained contribution to the preservation and promotion of Guryul Ravine.
The recognition fulfils a long-standing dream for conservationists and geoscientists alike. Known as the Kashmir Triassic Fossil Park, Guryul Ravine not only records the “Great Dying” but is also believed to contain evidence of the world’s first recorded tsunami.
