Geological Survey of India: Evolution, Foundation Day, Significance

PWOnlyIAS March 05, 2024 04:57 1562 0

Discover India's geological richness with the Geological Survey of India. 174 years of resource assessment, disaster management, and environmental protection.

Geological Survey of India: Evolution, Foundation Day, Significance

Context:

Recently, Geological Survey of India (GSI) celebrated its 174th Foundation Day on 4th March, 2024.

About Geological Survey of India (GSI): Geological Treasures of the Nation Since 1851

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a scientific agency under the Ministry of Mines, responsible for conducting geological surveys and studies of India. It is one of the oldest of such organisations in the world and the second oldest survey in India after the Survey of India (founded in 1767).

Nodal Ministry: Geological Survey of India is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.
Origin: The Geological Survey of India was founded in 1851 by the East India Company, primarily to find coal deposits for the railways.
- First geological surveyor of GSI was David Hiram Williams.
- First director-general of GSI was Sir Thomas Oldham. He broadened the scope of the survey by mapping the rock types, geological structures and relative ages of different rock formations.
Headquarter: Kolkata and has six regional offices located at Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata.
- Every state has a state unit.

Geological Survey of India (GSI) Restructuring into Five Dynamic Missions

It has undergone restructuring based on recommendations from a High-level Committee led by Mr. S. Vijay Kumar, resulting in the formation of five Missions:
- Baseline Surveys
- Mineral Resource Assessments
- Geoinformatics
- Multi-disciplinary Geosciences
- Training and Capacity Building

Identifying and Safeguarding Geo-Heritage Sites and Relics in India

The Geological Survey of India identifies and designates geo-heritage sites/national geological monuments for protection and upkeep. Accordingly, Geoheritage sites encompass:
- Geological relics and phenomena
- Stratigraphic type sections
- Geological structures and geomorphic landforms, including caves and natural rock sculptures of national and international significance
- Adjacent land portions
A Geo-relic is described as any geological material or relic of significance, such as sediments, rocks, minerals, meteorites, or fossils.
- The Geological Survey of India is empowered to acquire geo-relics for preservation and maintenance purposes.
- There are 32 geo-heritage sites located across 13 states, including notable examples like the Volcanogenic bedded Barytes of Mangampeta in Cuddapah district of Andhra Pradesh and the Akal Fossil Wood Park in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan.

The Geological Survey of India’s Functions and Activities: Mapping, Protecting, and Innovating for Earth’s Future

Geological Mapping: The Geological Survey of India conducts comprehensive geological surveys and mapping exercises to create detailed maps of India’s geological formations, aiding in mineral exploration and resource assessment.
Mineral Exploration: Through systematic exploration programs, the Geological Survey of India identifies and evaluates mineral deposits, contributing to the development of the mining sector and supporting industrial growth.
Environmental Impact Studies: The Geological Survey of India conducts environmental impact assessments (EIAs) to evaluate the potential environmental effects of mining and infrastructure projects, ensuring sustainable development practices.
Hazard Assessment: Leveraging its expertise in geology and seismology, the Geological Survey of India assesses natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and floods, providing critical data for disaster preparedness and mitigation.
Contribution to Natural Resource Management: Fuelling Economic Growth
- Mineral Resource Assessment: The Geological Survey of India plays a pivotal role in assessing India’s mineral wealth, including coal, iron ore, bauxite, and precious metals, contributing to the country’s industrial and economic growth.
- Groundwater Management: Through hydrogeological studies and groundwater prospecting, the Geological Survey of India supports sustainable groundwater management, addressing water scarcity and ensuring water security.
Role in Environmental Protection: Safeguarding Environments
- Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): The Geological Survey of India conducts EIAs to evaluate the environmental consequences of mining activities, guiding decision-making and promoting environmentally responsible practices.
- Biodiversity Conservation: The organization’s geological studies contribute to the conservation of biodiversity by identifying ecologically sensitive areas and promoting habitat preservation.
Disaster Mitigation and Risk Management:
- Earthquake Hazard Assessment: Leveraging its expertise in seismology, the Geological Survey of India assesses earthquake risks and provides early warning systems, enhancing disaster preparedness and response.
- Landslide Mapping: The organization conducts landslide mapping and risk assessments to identify vulnerable areas and mitigate landslide hazards, protecting lives and infrastructure.
Research and Innovation:
- Geological Research: The Geological Survey of India conducts cutting-edge research in geology, mineralogy, and geophysics, contributing to scientific knowledge and innovation in the field of earth sciences.
- Technology Innovation: The organization leverages emerging technologies such as remote sensing, GIS, and geospatial analysis to enhance geological mapping and mineral exploration efforts.
Outreach and Education:
- Public Awareness Campaigns: The Geological Survey of India conducts public awareness campaigns, workshops, and seminars to educate stakeholders about geological processes, mineral resources, and environmental conservation.
- Capacity Building: The organization offers training programs and workshops to build the capacity of professionals in the field of geosciences, fostering scientific literacy and promoting careers in geology.

Achievements and Contributions of Geological Survey of India

The Geological Survey of India has achieved and contributed significantly to the geoscientific knowledge and development of India. Some of the notable achievements and contributions are:

The discovery of coal in Raniganj, Jharia, Singareni, etc. and the estimation of coal resources and reserves in India.
The discovery of oil in Digboi, Assam and the exploration of oil and gas fields in various basins of India.
The discovery of iron ore in Singhbhum, Orissa, Bailadila, etc. and the assessment of iron ore resources and reserves in India.
The discovery of manganese in Nagpur, Balaghat, etc. and the estimation of manganese resources and reserves in India.
The discovery of chromite in Sukinda, Baula, etc. and the assessment of chromite resources and reserves in India.
The discovery of bauxite in Lohardaga, Koraput, etc. and the estimation of bauxite resources and reserves in India.
The discovery of limestone in various parts of India and the estimation of limestone resources and reserves in India.
The discovery of gold in Kolar, Hutti, etc. and the exploration of gold deposits in various parts of India.
The discovery of diamonds in Panna, Wajrakarur, etc. and the exploration of diamond deposits in various parts of India.
The discovery of uranium in Singhbhum, Jaduguda, etc. and the exploration of uranium deposits in various parts of India.
The discovery of rare earth elements in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, etc. and the exploration of rare earth deposits in various parts of India.
The discovery of geothermal energy potential in Puga, Manikaran, etc. and the assessment of geothermal resources in India.
The discovery of marine mineral resources such as polymetallic nodules, gas hydrates, etc. in the Indian Ocean and the exploration of marine mineral deposits in the Exclusive Economic Zone of India.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a scientific agency under the Ministry of Mines responsible for conducting geological surveys and studies across India.

The GSI was founded in 1851 by the East India Company, making it one of the oldest geological survey organisations globally.

The restructured GSI focuses on five main missions: Baseline Surveys, Mineral Resource Assessments, Geoinformatics, Multi-disciplinary Geosciences, and Training and Capacity Building.

Geo-heritage sites are areas of geological significance designated for protection, including geological relics, phenomena, structures, and landforms. Geo-relics are geological materials or relics of importance, such as sediments, rocks, minerals, and fossils.

The GSI has made significant contributions to India's geoscientific knowledge, including the discovery and assessment of various natural resources such as coal, oil, iron ore, manganese, chromite, bauxite, limestone, gold, diamond, uranium, rare earth elements, geothermal energy potential, and marine mineral resources.

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Geological Survey of India: Evolution, Foundation Day, Significance

Context:

About Geological Survey of India (GSI): Geological Treasures of the Nation Since 1851

Geological Survey of India (GSI) Restructuring into Five Dynamic Missions

Identifying and Safeguarding Geo-Heritage Sites and Relics in India

The Geological Survey of India’s Functions and Activities: Mapping, Protecting, and Innovating for Earth’s Future

Achievements and Contributions of Geological Survey of India

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Geological Survey of India (GSI)?

When was the GSI established?

What are the main missions of the restructured GSI?

What are Geo-heritage Sites and Geo-relics according to the GSI?

What are some notable achievements of the GSI?

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