The Uttar Pradesh government is seeking World Heritage status for the 1,400 years old fossil park located in Sonbhadra district.
The prestigious status is awarded by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
In fact, the UP tourism department has started the process in earnest for the fossil park in Sonbhadra, which is among the most economically backward regions of UP.
According to UP tourism and culture minister Jaiveer Singh, the Sonbhadra fossil park is among Asia’s largest and oldest fossil parks. It is estimated to be 1,400 million years old.
Top paleontologists and tourists from around the world visit Salkhan in Sonbhadra all year round to explore the famous fossil park, he added.
Meanwhile, the state will also develop necessary infrastructure facilities to attract more tourists and provide essential amenities to visitors.
There are many natural and geological formations in Sonbhadra district, apart from numerous scenic spots-picturesque valleys and waterfalls for tourists.
The fossils found in the park are algae and stromatolites type fossils. Interestingly, a majority of the local people are still not aware of the presence of such fossils in their vicinity.
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Once the fossil park gets UNESCO tag, it will give a boost to tourism in the backward regions and provide employment opportunities to the local people, he said.