MP: 6.5 Million Years Old Fossilized Remains Of Prehistoric Elephant Found In Narmada River
The local administration learnt about the fossil when the people in the surrounding area: Reports
BHOPAL: Fossilized remains of a prehistoric elephant, believed to be 6.5 million years old, have been discovered in Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh’s Raisen district, prompting the local administration to cordon off the area for its preservation.
The rare fossil, part of which was visible, was found in Narmada near the village of Deori in the district, officials said.
The local administration learnt about the fossil when the people in the surrounding area started thronging to the place to worship the exposed portion of the relic.
According to local sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) Ankit Kumar Jain, who visited the spot for enquiry, a large portion of the fossil seems to remain under water and the exposed portion that is visible is one foot high and 1.5 foot wide.
“We have cordoned off the area and secured the relic by providing round-the-clock security to ensure that it is not damaged”, he said.
Fossil expert and retired head of the geology department of Government Science College, Jabalpur, Dr V K Khanna visited the spot and examined the relic.
According to him, the fossil appears to be 6.5 million years old and the exposed portion of the fossil may be the lower jaw of a prehistoric giant elephant.
The molar and premolar teeth found in the fossil still remain intact.
It seems the remains of the prehistoric elephant lie buried horizontally under water with its lower jaw coming to the surface due to geographical reasons, experts say.
However, a thorough study on it can throw light on the fossil, the experts said.
