Residents and visitors in Lucknow now have a unique opportunity to walk through billions of years of Earth's history, thanks to the inauguration of a fascinating new rock garden. Located at the campus of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Northern Region in Aliganj, this open-air exhibition transports people back to the ancient Precambrian era, the very dawn of our planet.
A Geological Timeline in the Heart of Lucknow
The garden, which opened to the public recently, showcases an impressive collection of more than 80 exhibits. These are primarily rocks and fossils meticulously collected by GSI geologists over the years. The exhibits have been arranged in a chronological sequence, allowing visitors to take a visual stroll through geological time, from the oldest Precambrian rocks to the more recent Quaternary period deposits.
The rock garden is now a key part of the GSI's public outreach complex in Lucknow, complementing the already popular dinosaur park and mineral museum. This makes the GSI campus in Aliganj a significant hub for scientific education and curiosity. Officials have confirmed that entry to the garden is completely free of cost, and it will remain open for visitors daily from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM.
Rocks from Across Uttar Pradesh and the Northern States
The core of the exhibition features rocks gathered from various locations across Uttar Pradesh, each telling a story of the state's deep geological past. However, the collection's scope extends far beyond. The garden also displays diverse rock specimens from several northern Indian states and regions, including Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttarakhand.
According to GSI officials, these displayed rocks hold significant importance from a mineralogical perspective, offering insights into the subcontinent's rich and varied crust. The successful establishment of this garden is credited to the dedicated efforts of Shri VP Gaur, the Deputy Director General and Head of the State Unit of GSI.
Inaugurated Alongside a National Symposium on Climate Change
The rock garden's inauguration was not a standalone event. It was launched as part of the year-long commemoration of the Geological Survey of India's 175th anniversary. Marking this milestone, a one-day national symposium on a critical contemporary topic—'Cryosphere Response to Climate Change: A Himalayan and Polar Perspective'—was also organized on the same day.
The symposium was inaugurated by Shri Rajinder Kumar, Additional Director General and Head of GSI's Northern Region, along with Organising Secretary Shri Sanjeev Kumar. During the discussions, experts expressed deep concern over the melting of glaciers and other adverse impacts of climate change on the cryosphere (the frozen parts of the Earth).
The event proved to be a productive academic exchange. A total of 24 research papers were presented by scientists and researchers. Furthermore, three new scientific publications were released on the occasion. A GSI official stated that the symposium aimed to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and enhance understanding among cryosphere scientists, climate modellers, water-resource managers, and policymakers. The ultimate goal is to strengthen preparedness against accelerating climate shifts and improve the management of glaciers that are rapidly deteriorating due to global warming and associated geo-hazards.
With the addition of the rock garden, Lucknow's GSI campus has solidified its position as a must-visit destination for families, students, and anyone intrigued by the natural history of our planet and the pressing environmental issues of our time.
