Sahibganj (Jharkhand): A treasure trove of over 150 million years old fossilized leaves have been discovered in Jharkhand’s Sahibganj district.
According to reports, a couple of fossilised leaves of genus Ptilophyllum have been found in Dudhkol mountain in Taljhari area here and further excavation is underway.
The excavation is being conducted in association with the National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow under a project of the Department of Science and Technology of the Union Government.
Several fossils were earlier found in Maharajpur, Tarpahad, Garmi Pahad and Barharwa areas in Sahibganj and Sonajhari in neighbouring Pakur district, reports said.
ALSO READ: Security forces defuse landmines in Jharkhand
Speaking to reporters, Geologist, Ranjit Kumar Singh said," a couple of 20 cm by 5 cm fossilised leaves found in Dukhol mountain in Taljhari area is estimated around 150-200 million years old. 'These leaves were consumed by the herbivorous dinosaurs."
"These fossils are something different We will conduct the carbon dating test. In these same fossils, the figure of the goddess has also emerged. The tribals here have started worshipping. Earlier, several fossils were found in the neighbouring Pakur district. Very soon, a team of geologists will come to Sahibganj and the research works will be done," he said.
"I and my team have been working in the region for the last 12 years but we never found such prominent fossils before. There are chances of finding more fossils in this region," Singh added.
