Baripada: A significant fossil discovery in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district has shed new light on the region's prehistoric past, with researchers finding evidence that present-day Baripada and surrounding areas were once submerged under a shallow sea around 15 million years ago.

The fossils were unearthed from the Baripada Fossil Bed, which extends from Dera in the Kuliana block to Pratappur in the Badasahi block. Scientists have dated the remains to the Miocene epoch, a geological period known for major climatic and biological changes that occurred between 23 million and 5.3 million years ago.

The discovery was made by a research team led by Dr. Debabrata Nandi, Professor in the Department of GIS at Maharaja Sriram Chandra Bhanja Deo University, during a field visit with students.

Speaking about the findings, Dr. Nandi said he first noticed unusual fossil-like remains during the tour. Locals referred to the objects as "Asura Hada" (demon's bones). Intrigued by the reports, the team carried out detailed investigations and recovered several fossils, including shark teeth, vertebrae and other unidentified specimens.

Researchers believe the fossils date back approximately 15 million years and provide strong evidence that the region was once part of a marine ecosystem.

"If this had not been a marine belt, we would not have found shark teeth and fossils of other marine animals. Their presence clearly indicates that the area was once under the sea," Dr. Nandi said.

The fossil assemblage includes shark teeth, fish bones, mollusc shells and microscopic marine organisms, indicating the existence of a rich and diverse underwater habitat during the Miocene period.

Scientists are now collaborating with palaeontologists and research institutions to identify the remaining specimens and better understand the geological history of the region.

The findings have also raised questions about how the coastline retreated nearly 60 kilometres from present-day Baripada. Researchers plan to investigate whether climate change, tectonic activity or other natural processes were responsible for the dramatic shift.

Dr. Nandi emphasised the need to preserve the site, describing it as the only known location in Odisha where Miocene-age fossils have been discovered. He proposed developing the area as a geo-heritage or geo-tourism destination through the establishment of a fossil park and the granting of geo-heritage status.