Jabalpur is the nation's first city to have zoological and geological park

Bhedaghat and adjacent Lamhetaghat, located in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, are internationally renowned for their geological activities. The Madhya Pradesh Tourism Department has taken proactive measures to transform Jabalpur into the first city in the country with both a zoological park and a geological park.

The groundbreaking geological park will be established at Lamhetaghat in Jabalpur, making it a unique destination. Furthermore, the necessary land allocation and funds for constructing the park have already been announced. The Zoological Park will be constructed on the enchanting slopes of Madan Mahal, now beautifully transformed into a lush forest. Recently, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has unveiled plans to construct a zoological park on Madan Mahal hill.

The detailed project report for the Geological Park has been prepared and completed. It was initiated after receiving approval for park construction from the Geological Survey of India Department of the Union Ministry of Mines in January 2022. Additionally, an allocation of Rs 1.30 crore was approved by the Geological Survey of India to facilitate the preparation of the report. Currently, the project is being sent to the Central Government for final approval, after which the tender process for construction will commence. However, it should be noted that the construction of the Geological Park is estimated to take approximately four years and will require a budget of around Rs 48 crore. The officials from the Geological Survey of India are confident that this process will be expedited and completed in a timely manner.

Dinosaur fossils have been found

In 1928, William Sleeman made history by collecting dinosaur fossils from this site for the very first time. Renowned worldwide, the Lamheta Formation (or Infratrapan Beds) holds incredible significance. Recognizing its importance, UNESCO has recently designated Bhedaghat and Lamhetaghat as Geo Heritage Sites.

Will be built on five acres of land

The proposal to construct a Geo Park on a vast land area of approximately 5 acres aims to preserve and showcase the remarkable geological heritage of this Lamheta region. The Geo Park will serve as a guardian of geological wonders, encompassing the mesmerizing miracles of geology and highlighting the significance of this area. Deputy Director General of the Geological Survey of India, Subhrasuchi Sarkar, stated that

"The preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been successfully accomplished. However, the construction process is expected to be time-consuming. Sarkar further expressed that the proposal will subsequently be submitted for approval to the relevant authorities at the Center."

What is the Geological Survey of India (GSI)?

The Survey of India, established in 1767, conducts geological surveys and studies of India. In 1851, the Geological Survey of India was formed as a scientific agency under the Ministry of Mines. It is not only one of the oldest corporations globally, but also the second oldest survey corporation in India after the Survey of India. Additionally, the Geological Survey of India serves as a significant provider of basic earth science data to the general public, industry, and government. It actively participates in the coal, cement, steel, and power industries, as well as international geological forums.

What is Geopark?

A geopark is a designated area that encompasses and supports the preservation and sustainable use of geological heritage. Both national and global geoparks exist, with a total of 169 UNESCO Global Geoparks found in 44 different countries. In India, the first Geopark is currently being constructed in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh. Geoparks leverage the hidden heritage within the land to increase consciousness about the challenges faced by society in the context of our ever-changing planet. Numerous geo parks also focus on raising awareness about geological hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanoes, and tsunamis, while others collaborate with local communities to develop strategies for disaster mitigation.

Keep Reading

• Tourists to explore new safari jungle in Gwalior
• Ex-situ conservation
• Do zoos really help in protecting wildlife?
• The success story of ‘Project Rhino’ of India

Follow Ground Report for Climate Change and Under-Reported issues in India. Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Koo App, Instagram, Whatsapp and YouTube. Write us on [email protected]