One of earth’s oldest Fossils discovered in Himachal’s Chambaghat

Shimla/Solan, May 13,

A 600-million-year-old stromatolite fossils has been discovered near Chambaghat in Solan, Himachal Pradesh. Noted geologist Dr. Ritesh Arya who has discovered  the fossils said that ones found in the village of Jolajoran, are believed to be among the oldest records of life on Earth, offering invaluable insights into the planet’s early biological and atmospheric evolution.

Dr. Arya, a Guinness World Record–holding geologist and founder of the Tethys Fossil Museum in Solan, described the stromatolites as “living stone memoirs” created by cyanobacteria — Earth’s earliest oxygen-producing organisms. These microbial mats helped transform a greenhouse gas–laden atmosphere into one capable of supporting complex life.

“These fossils are Earth’s original climate warriors and natural historians, preserving a story that began billions of years ago,” said Dr. Arya. “No stromatolites, no oxygen. We should be thankful to them.”

Formed in shallow marine waters, stromatolites are layered sedimentary structures that serve as biological signatures of early microbial life. Their presence in Chambaghat supports the theory that this region of Himachal Pradesh was once part of the ancient Tethys Sea — the body of water that once separated the Indian landmass from Asia.

Dr. Arya emphasized that the newly discovered laminar stromatolites are structurally different from those previously found in places like Chitrakoot and Haryana’s Morni Hills. These distinctions, he said, point to a unique paleoenvironmental setting in Chambaghat, underscoring the geological richness of the region.

All the stromatolite specimens, including those from Chambaghat, are currently on display at the Tethys Fossil Museum.

Experts applaud the discovery

The find has received strong endorsements from leading geologists and paleontologists.

Dr. Jagmohan Singh, former Chief General Manager at ONGC, called the discovery “a monumental addition to India’s geoheritage,” noting that the fossils take us back to a time when life was just beginning to emerge on Earth.

Prof. Vinod Tewari, a globally recognized stromatolite expert and member of the International Geological Correlation Program, remarked that the site could become “a significant addition to the global geological map,” promoting international collaboration in earth sciences.

Echoing these sentiments, Dr. Arun Deep Ahluwalia, former Head of Geology at Panjab University and a noted researcher on Himalayan formations, said, “These grand biosedimentary structures from 600 million years ago hold immense geoheritage value. Solan could set an example for similar sites in Mussoorie and Nainital by conserving them.”

Dr. Arya is now advocating for the Chambaghat site to be declared a State Geoheritage Site. He plans to write to the Deputy Commissioner and District Tourism Officer of Solan, urging them to preserve the fossils and promote the area as a center for geotourism and scientific exploration.

“This is not just about fossils,” Dr. Arya said. “It’s about restoring pride in India’s ancient past. We need to protect these silent storytellers before they’re lost to bulldozers and ignorance.”

Although fossils from Chambaghat have previously been documented by institutions like the Geological Survey of India, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, the site has yet to receive formal protection.

Currently, India has only three recognized fossil parks — in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan), the Vindhyan region (Uttar Pradesh), and an upcoming site in Sikkim. Dr. Arya believes Chambaghat rightfully deserves to be added to this list, not only for its National significance but also for its global scientific importance.

Team Himachal Scape