The Geological Survey of India (GSI), the second oldest survey in the country was established in I85l with the singular aim to locate coal for the railways. GSI over the years has expanded its role to undertake elucidation of the geological set up of the country, including assessment and regional level exploration for coal and other mineral resources, inputs to engineering projects, geotechnical studies, geo-environment and natural hazards, glaciology, seismotectonics etc.
GSI is the prime provider of basic earth science information to the government, industry and the general public, as well as responsive participant in international geoscientific fora. The vibrant steel, coal, metals, cement and power industries which expanded phenomenally in the post-independence era, bear eloquent testimony to the GSI's relevance in the national context.
The Charter of functions (revised, May 2009) laid down by the Government of India detailing the scope of activities and responsibilities of the GSI encompasses practically entire gamut of earth science activities. The Charter reflects the broad responsibility of GSI spreading from the lofty peaks of the Himalayas to Antarctica and from the desert to the ocean and in to the sky.
Field Season Programme Formulation
Programme formulation is done through close co-ordination between GSI and State Geological Departments to avoid duplication of work. In addition to elaborate departmental exercises and series of reviews, factors like Government policies and directives, Five-Year Plan document, etc are considered. GSI's programme documents, are then placed before the Central Geological Programming Board for approval.
Constant monitoring of the activities are done through stage reviews and mid-term reviews besides regular in-house supervision. The results of investigations carried out each year are documented in the form of scientific and technical reports, professional papers, maps, inventories and various types of publications.
The thrust areas of GSI's activities have evolved with the changing national priorities throughout the successive Five Year Plans. The major thrust areas identified for X Five Year Plan of GSI are:
Creation and updating of National geo-scientific database through specialised thematic studies, multi-elemental geochemical, and airborne and ground geophysical mapping of the country. These have been given priority to locate hitherto undiscovered and / or deep-seated/concealed prospects/deposits based on new concepts of ore genesis. Seabed survey in Territorial Waters and parametric survey in EEZ along with preliminary assessment of economic resources in seabed will be continued.
Concept oriented search for concealed mineral deposits with stress on deficient and high-tech minerals. The principal thrust of GSI in the mineral exploration would remain on noble metals, precious stone, base metal, coal and lignite. Appraisal will continue for ferrous and non-ferrous (bauxite), fertilizer, strategic, refractory and high-tech. minerals. In addition, to the mineral prognostication, the organization would continue with systematic updating of the data base in the mineral resource sector to provide reliable and relevant information on mineral and other natural resources to the public and private sector entrepreneurs to sustain investment in mineral sector.
Seismic micro-zonation of urban clusters, active fault mapping and observational seismology for delineation of potential risk zones for geo-hazard management. Increased emphasis on environmental geology programmes.
Establishment of GSI Information Infrastructure. Compilation and digitisation of maps for archival and dissemination.
Modernisation / upgradation of laboratories at National, Regional and Operational level to provide high quality laboratory support.
Institutional strengthening through training programmes both in India and abroad.
Modernisation
The Geological Survey of India has undertaken an extensive programme of modernisation during X Plan period on the advice of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industries, and as per guidelines laid down by an Expert Panel on Modernisation of GSI, constituted by the Dept. of Mines. The modernisation programme is aimed at refurbishing and upgrading the in-house capabilities of GSI with a view to enable it to meet new challenges and achieve the identified goals in the coming decades. The Expert Panel has identified a detailed list of state-of-the-art equipment for field survey; ground geophysical survey and marine survey, drill machines, IT Infrastructure and accessories and laboratory studies. In addition, it may be mentioned that the Planning Commission has accorded "In Principle Approval" for both Blue Water Research Vessel and Heliborne Geophysical Survey Systems.
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