Tura, May 2:The Core Geo Expedition during its exploration in February this year had discovered the fossil structure from remote Gongdap village near Tolegre in South Garo Hills.
Following the discovery the Geological Survey of India has done preliminary examination.
DC South Garo Hills Shivansh Awasthi has confirmed the recovery of the fossil, which dates back to 35-40 million years old.
“Exact time and type of species may be identified after extraction and examination in lab by GSI team. They are coming tomorrow again to the site”, the DC said.
The Core Geo Expedition team had explored the caves in the Tolegre. “We have until now explored more than 9 kms of subterranean passages in the region and during our explorations we have come across a very rare fossil”, the explorers told DC in its letter.
Tudor Tamas, Milton Sangma and Salban Manda of the CORE GEO EXPEDITIONS were part of the exploration.
“After consulting with colleagues, we think that this fossil dates back about 35 – 40 million years ago and belongs to either the genus Rhodocetus or Amulocetus ( extinct now ). This prehistoric animal is believed to be land ancestor of the whales. After cross checking the world database, we believe it is likely that this is the first of its kind found in India. This obviously needs to be verified through the right channels and authorised personnel”, the Core Geo Explorers said in its letter to DC.
“This fossil sites exposed to the forces of nature and humans and most likely will be lost with the onset of monsoons. It needs to be examined at the earliest”, said Ayush Singh and Thomas Arbenz, Expedition Leaders in its letter to DC, South Garo Hills.
