Ensure no one extracts fossils in Spiti village: HC to Centre, state

The HP High Court has directed the Central Government and the state authorities to ensure that no individual or entity is permitted to illegally extract, collect, trade or export fossils from any part of Himachal Pradesh, including Langza village in the Spiti region.

A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Bipin Chander Negi passed the interim order on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate Poonam Gehlot highlighting the issue of illegal extraction and trade of fossils in Langza village of the Spiti region.

The court also issued notices to the Union Secretary, Ministry of mines and Mineral; Geological Survey of India (GSI); Archaeological Survey of India; state Principal Secretary, Department of Forests and Wildlife; Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul and Spiti; Director of Department of Tourism and Civil Aviation; Director of the Environment Department and the Engineer in Chief, HPPWD, and directed them to file their replies within three weeks and listed the matter for further hearing on December 31.

Marine fossils are found in the hills near Lalung, Mud, Komic, Hikkim and Langza villages of the Spiti valley. Geologists believe that these fossils are much older than the mighty Himalayas and a lot of research has been done on them.

In India, the collection and private ownership of fossils are generally illegal. The Antiquities and Art Treasures Act, 1972, regulates the excavation, preservation and trade of antiquities, which include fossils. According to the law, fossils found in India are considered national heritage and are protected by the government. Unauthorised collection, excavation or trade of fossils is prohibited and can lead to legal consequences. The primary goal of this legislation is to protect and preserve India’s paleontological heritage for scientific study and public education.