Jurassic-era fossils used as deities in Sahibganj

Kolkata: Days after the fossilised leaves from the lower Jurassic era were found at Rajmahal Hills, geologist Ranjit Kumar Singh has requested the Sahibganj district administration to convert the entire hill into a protected place. His request comes after he found similar fossils placed at puja corners in homes of the locals living in the vicinity.
Speaking to TOI, Singh, an assistant professor at Sahibganj PG College, said, “Fossils can take us through the different ages the Earth has gone through. By studying them, we can understand how the planet was millions of years ago. When I saw people using these fossils into objects of faith and religion, I thought it should be brought to the notice of the administration and the practice be stopped immediately. I am not against religious practices, but studying these fossils will be better than to smear them with vermillion,” he said.
Singh and his team, in collaboration with the Lucknow-based Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, have been searching for fossils on the hills under a project launched by the Union government’s science and technology department. The team found two fossilised leavesof the genus Ptilophylum, measuring 20cm by 5cm, on Dudhkhol hill in Taljhari area recently.
More than people turning the fossils into deities, Singh is worried about rampant mining in the area. “Mining will not only affect the ecology of the area, but also ruin the fossils, erasing a large chunk of the Earth’s history,” Singh said.
In his appeal to the administration, Singh asked them to stop mining in the area and convert the place into a tourist destination. “A museum of fossils can be built here. This will not only help the tourism sector, but also help those pursuing geology. The hills will also serve as a natural laboratory for students.” Singh also believes, a visit to the Rajmahal Hills will be like a “holy pilgrimage” for geologists.
Earlier, Singh had said he will not be surprised if the team stumbles upon fossilised dinosaur eggs upon further excavation. “The leaves we found were consumed by herbivorous dinosaurs,” he said.
Newly-appointed Sahibganj deputy commissioner Ramniwas Yadav said, “I am yet to receive the professor’s request, but we will definitely work upon it and ask the district forest officer to help. I will also speak with Singh and find out what can be done to protect the fossils at Rajmahal Hills.”