Solan: A team of 14 geologists from ONGC and Crain recently visited Kasauli’s Tethys Fossil Museum during a three-day field trip. The excursion was led by the Association of Petroleum Geologists (APG), Dehradun. Renowned geologist Dr. Ritesh Arya mentored the team throughout the visit.
The main goal was to study the Tertiary rock formations—Subathu, Dagshai, and Kasauli. These rock layers offer valuable insights into the region’s geological past. The visit focused on understanding how these layers relate to one another and what they reveal about ancient climates and tectonic movements.
Dr. Arya guided the group through fossil-rich zones in Kasauli, Dagshai, and Subathu. He explained how fossils help decode Earth’s climate history and the development of the Himalayas. The team also learned why conserving such fossil records is vital for geoheritage.
On June 10, an interactive session was held at the Tethys Fossil Museum. All 14 ONGC delegates took part. District Tourism Officer Mrs. Padma chaired the session and was also present as the Chief Guest. This visit aimed to boost awareness about the geological significance of Himachal Pradesh, a region still underexplored.
An interactive meeting with all 14 ONGC delegates was organised in the Tethys Fossil Museum on 10th June, which was chaired by District Tourism Officer Mrs. Padma, who also graced the occasion as Chief Guest.
Dr. Arya also expressed his gratitude to Mrs. Padma for including the Tethys Fossil Museum in the official list of tourist destinations in Himachal Pradesh and Solan district. He noted that this recognition would help bridge the gap between scientific heritage and public outreach. He stressed the urgent need for in-situ preservation and public awareness to protect these ancient natural archives.
Mrs. Padma commended Dr. Arya’s initiatives, noting their dual value for scientific research and sustainable tourism. She shared that after listening to the perspectives of the APG delegates, she felt deeply inspired and committed to supporting the promotion of geo-tourism in the region. She emphasized that it is imperative to organize regular “Geo-Walks” to connect the public with the state’s rich geological heritage and to foster responsible tourism alternatives.
Mr. Pritesh Pyasi, field trip coordinator and APG delegate, said the visit was highly informative and crucial for understanding the geotourism potential of the area. He also emphasized the urgent need to preserve fossils in and around Kasauli, not only to promote tourism but also to protect these scientific treasures. Dr Jagmohan Singh GM ONGC highlighted the preservation of a 20-million-year-old fossil tree at Jagjitnagar by Dr. Arya, in collaboration with a private landowner, as a model effort for the global geoscientific community.
This visit marks a significant step toward recognizing Kasauli’s geoheritage potential and honors Dr. Ritesh Arya’s pioneering work in transforming the Tethys Fossil Museum into a dynamic center of research, education, and geo-tourism.
