Prehistoric rock formations found at Mrugavani National Park

Four deep grooves of possible prehistoric significance have been identified near the Banda Juvvi watchtower in Mrugavani National Park at Chilkur, highlighting the need for scientific investigation and conservation.

Historian Satyanarayana Dyavanapalli, who identified the grooves following inputs from B. Anand Kumar, Administrative Officer, Forest Department, Rangareddy district, said they could be associated with Neolithic-period activities dating to around the fifth millennium BCE.

A kilometre away, near the Forest Trek Park, ochre-coloured rock paintings depicting animals, hunting scenes and geometric designs have also been found. Their age and possible connection with the grooves are yet to be established.

Mr. Dyavanapalli has urged the Department of Archaeology and Museums, Telangana, to conduct a systematic survey of both sites, document the formations and paintings, and look for evidence of early human activity, including stone tools and pottery fragments