GSI Finds 40 Million Year Old Fossils in South Garo Hills

1. Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers have explored ancient fossils in Tolegre, South Garo Hills of Meghalaya. Estimated to be around 35-40 million years old.
2. Discovered during the Core Geo Expedition's exploration earlier this year, the fossils were found in the remote Gongdap village near Tolegre.
3. The Core Geo Expedition team expressed the rarity of the find, speculating it could be linked to the genera Rhodocetus or Amulocetus (now extinct), considered ancestors of modern whales.
4. The GSI team is set to return to the site for further investigation, marking a significant milestone in paleontological research within India.

About Garo Hills: A Region of Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage

Physical Geography:

1. The Garo Hills, covering around 8,000 square kilometers, constitute the western part of Meghalaya State in India.
2. Part of the Meghalaya subtropical forests, the Garo Hills lie near the Indo-Bangladesh border and form part of the Patkai hill range, which stretches across the Indo-Myanmar border.
3. Remarkably, the Garo Hills are recognized as one of the wettest regions in the world.
4. The region is drained by various tributaries of the mighty Brahmaputra River.
5. Administratively, the Garo Hills comprise 5 districts: North Garo Hills, East Garo Hills, West Garo Hills, South Garo Hills, and South-West Garo Hills.

Garo People and Culture:

1. The Garo tribe, known as Achik-mande in their native language, is the predominant ethnic group in the Garo Hills.
2. Forming the second-largest tribe in Meghalaya, the Garos are one of the few remaining matrilineal tribes globally.
3. Wangala, a harvest festival primarily observed.
4. The Garo Hills feature 2 mountain ranges, the Arabella range and the Tura range, which create the Balpakram valley in between.
5. The Balpakram area holds religious significance for the Garo community, as they believe it is where the spirits of the dead reside.
6. The highest point in the Garo Hills is Nokrek Peak, reaching an elevation of 1412 meters. Covered in a lush forest.
7. Nokrek National Park, located within the region, safeguards a diverse array of plant and animal species. In recognition of its ecological value, UNESCO designated the park as a biosphere reserve in 2009.

What is Geological Survey of India (GSI):

Establishment and Purpose:

1. The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was established in 1851, primarily with the objective of locating coal deposits for the development of India's railway network.
2. As the second-oldest survey organization in India after the Survey of India (founded in 1767), GSI has a rich legacy of geological exploration and research.

Objective:

1. GSI aims to provide objective, impartial, and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information.
2. The organization's focus is on supporting policy-making decisions, commercial needs, and socio-economic development through the provision of accurate and reliable geological data.

Must Check: Best IAS Coaching In Delhi