The Jwalapuram archaeological site in Andhra Pradesh, India, a location of immense importance for understanding early human origins and the impact of the Toba super-eruption, is currently under threat due to illegal mining activities. This was brought to light in 2007 when excavations revealed the presence of volcanic ash from the Toba super-eruption in Sumatra, which occurred approximately 74,000 years ago.
The volcanic ash, known locally as 'rematti', is being mined and sold to detergent and soap manufacturers, leading to the destruction of prehistoric stone tools and artifacts preserved within the ash layer. The ash layer, which is 1-3 meters thick, holds significant evidence of early human life in the region both before and after the Toba eruption. This discovery challenged previous theories suggesting the catastrophic event wiped out early populations.
Professor Ravi Korisettar of Karnataka University, who played a crucial role in the early excavations, has expressed serious concerns about the site's conservation. He urges the government to protect the site, emphasizing its potential for future discoveries if properly preserved. The artifacts recovered from Jwalapuram are currently housed at the Robert Bruce Foote Sanganakallu Archaeological Museum in Bellary, Karnataka. Recent reports indicate that private landowners are selling the ancient sand dunes, containing remnants of the Toba eruption, to companies for approximately Rs. 1,000 per ton, further endangering this crucial site.