Question : Study by Geologists-Scientists

(a) whether the Government is aware of the fact that 10 crore years earlier some parts of Perambalur and Ariyalur districts in Tamil Nadu had changeover from sea into land as per the study by Geologists/Scientists;

(b) whether the Government is also aware of the fact that some areas nearer to Alathur in Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu had also changed over from sea into land;

(c) whether the Government has taken/proposes to take necessary steps to preserve the antiquity of those sea areaswhich changed over from sea into land; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

THE MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND
MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a) Yes Sir. MoES and its attached institutions have not carried out any geological studies from this aspect in the Perambalur and Ariyalur districts of Tamil Nadu State. However,from review of the available scientific literature and geological maps, it is understood that some parts of Perambalur and Ariyalur districts were under sea during the Cenomanian transgressive events about 10 crore years before present which were later turned into land during the subsequent regressive phase.

(b) Yes Sir. It is understoodbased on review of available scientific literature and geological maps that the Alathur area of Perambalur district has also been changed from sea into land during the above mentioned period.

(c) No Sir.

(d) Ministry of Earth Sciences has no proposal to intervene in the topography of area and the changes that have occurred 10 crores years before present.