Common people can now have a look and enjoy the variety of beautiful rocks found in Nagaland at a Geo Park in the premises of directorate of geology and mining here.
The park was inaugurated by the director of the directorate of geology and mining, S. Manen, on Friday.
Manen said the Geo Park was conceptualized with an objective to help the academicians understand the different types of rocks available in Nagaland. The park would also offer an opportunity to the public to see the variety of rocks found in the State.
He thanked the seven-member committee for putting in their best efforts in making the park a reality, despite meagre funds.
Dwelling on the departmental activities, Manen said the department carries out mineral exploration for the future generation and the benefit of the State.
He emphasized the importance of recharging groundwater. He said the department has been doing a lot of research on ground water, ways for enhancing natural recharge of rainwater and methods of artificial recharge.
Dimapur SDO (civil) Hotolu Sema, who was present on the occasion, congratulated and appreciated the Geology and Mining Department for taking up the initiative to showcase the beauty of rocks to the visitors through the Geo Park.
He said the example set by the directorate proved that the government departments are not only restricted to their daily normal activities. He hoped that other departments would follow suit.
Delivering the keynote address, geologist David Lhoupenyi the park has been set up to assemble different types of rocks and minerals available in Nagaland.
He said the park was created using 11 different types of stones such as limestone, white and grey, black marble and paraspinal brought in from different places of the State, including Wazheho, Phongkhuri, Moke, Mollen, Ziphu, and Satuza. Lhoupenyi said some more missing rocks, including slate, would be placed in the park.
An impressive wood fossil trunk has been placed at the entrance of the park.