Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh), Dec.25: The fossils park at Salkhan Village in Uttar Pradesh is regarded one of the oldest of its kind in the world. But, sadly, it is lying in dilapidated state due to administrative apathy shown towards a priceless treasure.

Located in the Sonbhadra District of Uttar Pradesh, the fossil park is in a pitiable condition due to inadequate care. There is nobody to maintain the trees.

The tree fossils, which are covering 25 hectares of park, date back to Meso-Proterozoic period. They are said to be about 140 crore years old. The park is three times larger than the Yellow Stone Park of America that earns millions of rupees.

Researchers from America, Germany, France and many other countries have visited the park in the past to trace details related to these fossils but no improvement could be noticed due to prevailing conditions.

"It felt good to watch fossils. But it felt very bad on noticing there was no one to take care of them from security point of view. It is a part of our heritage and it’s necessary for us to take care of it," said Nisha, a visitor to the fossil park and a Banaras Hindu University student.

"This is a priceless possession not only for India but for the entire world. These are 140 crores old fossils which are called Elgi fossils. And these fossils not just tell the story of creation of Earth but the story of creation of life too. That’s why these are priceless," said Vijay Shankar Chaturvedi, a local journalist.

"The fossils are lying neglected due to administration. Neither the Government nor concerned officials are making any arrangements for their safety. There exists a board set by the Forest Department which carried all instructions on it. But those instructions have been removed by people,” said Vijay Vineet, a local villager.

“People have also shattered the fossils. The sharp boundary structure that was covering the park has also been dismantled and stolen by thieves. We feel disappointed here that the park is being neglected," Vineet added.

According to the Forest Department, the Government is not paying any attention towards the ancient park.

"Salkhan fossils are very old. These fossils are only in India and that too in Salkhan. There should be proper arrangements for its safety. The thieves have stolen the sharp wires covering the boundary; no action has been taken for it,” said R. K. Singh, Range Forest Officer at Gurma in Sonbhadra District.

“The Forest Department has provided the budget for the construction of the road. In few more days, we will arrange for an information centre. We don't have the budget to hire people. We have already appealed many a times for this,” said R. K. Singh, Range Forest Officer at Gurma in Sonbhadra District. (ANI)