Swachhata Hi Seva-2024 Campaign at Mamley Fossil Park, Namchi, Sikkim

The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the aegis of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, organized the “Swachhata Hi Seva-2024” (SHS-2024) campaign at the Government Junior Secondary School and Mamley Fossil Park, Mamley, on 29th September 2024.

Mamley Fossil Park is a significant geo-heritage site, among 90 similar sites identified by the GSI across India. It is renowned for preserving stromatolites—fossilized microbial structures—dating back to the Neo-Proterozoic age (1 billion to 538 million years ago), which are found in the Buxa Formation of the Daling Group of rocks. The site’s preservation is crucial for understanding Earth’s ancient biological and geological history.

The event began with an address by Sri Prashant Tukaram Ilamkar, Director and Head of Office, GSI, who welcomed the delegates, guests, students, teachers, and local residents. He introduced the significance of Mamley Fossil Park and emphasized the objectives of the Swachhata Hi Seva-2024 campaign, which focuses on cleanliness and raising awareness of heritage preservation.

Sri Siladitya Sen Gupta, Deputy Director General, State Unit: Sikkim, GSI, emphasized in his speech the importance of preserving Mamley Fossil Park and transforming it into a global geo-heritage attraction. Ms. Lameen Thenag, Director of the Department of Tourism, Government of Sikkim, Namchi, highlighted the potential development of the park and its role in boosting tourism in Sikkim’s southern district. Sri Ghanshyam Pradhan, Headmaster of the school, expressed his gratitude to GSI for organizing such an educational and awareness-driven campaign at Mamley.

A detailed presentation on Mamley Fossil Park and its geo-heritage significance was delivered by Sri Durgashankar Pati, a GSI geologist, who stressed the importance of the park and encouraged local residents to help preserve it.

Following the presentations, participants, including GSI officers, students, teachers, and local people, visited Mamley Fossil Park. Here, they celebrated the Swachhata Hi Seva campaign with enthusiasm, cleaning the area and participating in a plantation drive. GSI officers also demonstrated the stromatolite fossils, engaging students and locals with their geological importance.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks from Dr. Lalit Khasdeo, Director, Technical Coordination, GSI, after a distribution of Swachhata kits to local participants by the Deputy Director General. The day’s activities, including cleanliness and plantation drives, left a positive mark on the local community and highlighted the importance of maintaining and promoting geo-heritage sites like Mamley Fossil Park.