Jharkhand MLA Demands Geological Heritage Status for Dalma and Mandu

Jamshedpur / Ranchi: On the occasion of World Environment Day, Jamshedpur West MLA Saryu Roy wrote letters to Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar and Chief Minister Hemant Soren demanding that the natural formations located in the Dalma oceanic volcanic region and the landforms created by continental glaciers in the Dudhi Nala area of Mandu be declared as Geological Heritage.

In separate letters addressed to the Governor and the Chief Minister, Roy stated that Jharkhand possesses two rare geological formations that deserve to be declared geological heritage. The first geological formation is in the Dalma forest area of West Singhbhum district, and the second is at Dudhi Nala near Mandu in Hazaribagh district. Both formations are invaluable geological treasures of nature, and their conservation is highly critical.

According to Saryu Roy, these priceless gifts of nature located at both sites should be declared geological heritage without delay to secure and protect them. Otherwise, due to ignorance, human intervention could pose a threat of destruction.

The Significance of the Dalma Volcanic Region

He wrote that the Dalma area is a significant natural remnant of an oceanic volcano, estimated to be around 1.6 billion (160 crore) years old. Near the Chilgu bus stop, close to Saharbeda between Chandil and Jamshedpur, remnants of volcanic ash deposits and agglomerates exist by the roadside, which are currently facing the brunt of improper human intervention.

Roy noted that “Pillow Lava” structures exist on the uphill route leading to the Dalma Sanctuary, which were discovered during studies by geologists. Such structures are formed by volcanic eruptions on the floors of oceans and seas.

The 300-Million-Year-Old Glacial Structures of Mandu

Shri Roy also highlighted the 300-million (30 crore) year-old landforms created by continental glaciers at Dudhi Nala near Mandu. According to him, this rivulet merges into the Bokaro River as a tributary. Geological studies conclude that this area must have been an oceanic region during a certain era, where glaciers existed. These glaciers used to meet the ocean, and their remnants are still preserved here.