Lucknow, Nov. 18 -- Scientists of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP) have launched a detailed field study at Salkhan Fossil Park in Sonbhadra, which is home to some of the world's most ancient stromatolites, dating back nearly 1.4 billion years. A BSIP team began the two-day documentation exercise from Monday under a formal MoU with the UP Eco-Tourism Development Board. The study is expected to strengthen Salkhan's ongoing bid for a UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination. Led by Dr Shilpa Pandey of BSIP's Centre for Promotion of Geoheritage and Geotourism, researchers recorded well-preserved stromatolite structures. Dr Pandey briefed forest officials, villagers and tourists during the visit, emphasising that stromatolites are not mere rock patterns but chemical and biological imprints of the planet's earliest life systems. "Sites like Salkhan are extremely rare worldwide," she said, underscoring the need for careful protection. Team member Dr Sanjay Singh also conducted on-site sessions explaininghtc...