A gigantic fossil site was discovered by two nature lovers who are lecturers by profession in the School Education Department Kashmir. Mr. Manzoor Javaid and Dr. Rouf Hamza, while scouting for fossil samples came across a site which is rich in fossil diversity replete with dense fossil samples at specific locations aged between 488- 354 million years.
The site is located at a distance of about 02 Kilometres from the world famous Ahrabal Water Fall In the Kulgam district of South Kashmir.
The site is studded with thousands of fossil remains of diverse nature which got exposed due to weathering, construction of road and subsequent erosion. An effortless observation reveals that thousands of fossils are visible at the site superficially without any excavation. This is an indication that huge haul of fossils could be hidden beneath, If the potential areas of the site are excavated, it may reveal an astonishing fossil world to the scientific community.
Upon preliminary investigation, it was revealed that the fossil samples fall between Ordovician and Devonian period. However, It needs to be ascertained through serious research and Carbon Dating.
The organisms commonly found during this period belong to Bryozoa (Fenestella, Fenestrillina, Trepestorne, Rhombopore), Trilobites, Crinoids, Brachiopods, Corals etc. However, the site needs to be evaluated for other fossil flora and Fauna.
Till date, it is presumably, the biggest find in Jammu Kashmir in terms of occurrence, area, diversity and age of the fossils, Interestingly, most of the fossil sites have been discovered either by the foreigners or by the professionals. However, this is the only discovery in J&K made by the amateur fossil hunters.
A simple unveiling ceremony and press briefing was held at Ahrabal today. On this occasion, Mr: Muneer-Ul Islam Director General Custodian/Ex Director Archives,. Dy. Director Archives, Mr. Syed Waseem DFO Kulgam, media personnel, Mr. Pervaiz Sajjad District Coordinator of Herbal Garden scheme Shopian, Mr. Mohammad Yousuf District Coordinator of Herbal Garden scheme, Mr Fayaz Ahmad Fayaz(Armateur Fossil hunter)& Mr.Shafiq Ahmad participated in the event.