Will Oyster Shells Found In Chicalim Unearth History ?

Scientists at National Institute of Oceanography have said that the extensive deposits of windowpane oysters and other shell deposits in the hillside at Chicalim are an indicator of a high sea level more than 2,000 years ago.

The discovery of shell deposits was made when excavation work was carried out for widening the road.

The road widening work on the Vasco-Cortalim highway has exposed the layers of marine sediments in red soil, running 50 to 70 meters along the slope.

There is also a layer of sand. 

Chief scientist at NIO’s Biological Oceanography Dr. Baban Ingole said the extensive shell deposits most likely indicate that the sea level was higher during that time as compared to the present.

He said that the layers of oyster shells indicate that shellfish was available in abundance.

A Chicalim local wants the government to initiate a study to find out how this has happened and when it has happened.