Thoothukudi, April 28 (ANI): Scientists have uncovered marine fossils dating back approximately 8,000 to 12,000 years in Panaiyur, located under Kulathur South Panchayat in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district.
The site, about 25 kilometers from Thoothukudi, was first identified by an enthusiast in December 2025. Following the discovery, a team from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) conducted geological and paleontological studies between January 5 and 10.
Researchers collected 104 fossil specimens during the survey, primarily consisting of marine organisms such as bivalves and gastropods.
Scientists said the fossils belong to the Holocene epoch and indicate that the region was once submerged due to rising sea levels, leading to the formation of these deposits.
Notably, the fossil site lies about 5 to 7 kilometers inland from the present coastline, pointing to significant historical changes in coastal geography. Experts have recommended further studies, including radiocarbon dating, to determine the fossils’ precise age and have urged authorities to protect the site.
Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav said the findings add valuable data to India’s Quaternary fossil record. In a post on X, he noted that the ZSI conducted the survey at the request of the Thoothukudi administration after heavy rainfall in 2023 exposed the fossil beds.
“The assessment confirms a newly discovered fossil bed dating back to the Holocene period (8,000–12,000 years), which significantly enriches the Quaternary fossil record of India,” Yadav said. He added that the discovery enhances understanding of the country’s ancient environment, wildlife, and climate, and praised the ZSI’s scientific efforts in documenting and safeguarding the site.
Antony Ravindran of the Department of Geology at V.O. Chidambaram College in Thoothukudi said the Kulathur-Panaiyur area contains distinct fossil formations and subsurface geological features.
He noted that the region is dominated by sedimentary structures, including layers of sandstone and lateritic red soil. Much of the area had previously been buried under sand but was exposed following heavy rainfall in 2023.
Ravindran said the site also shows features such as submarine channels cutting through sediment layers, providing further insight into the region’s geological history.
The discovery is considered significant for understanding the ancient marine environment and geological evolution of the Thoothukudi region. (ANI)
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