Source: News on Air
Subject: Polity
Context: The Union Minister of Coal & Mines inaugurated GSI’s International Seminar in Jaipur to mark 175 years of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
About Geological Survey of India (GSI):
What It Is?
- GSI is India’s premier national geoscientific organisation, responsible for geological surveys, mineral exploration, and creation of national geoscience databases. It functions as an attached office under the Ministry of Mines.
Established In: Formally established in 1851.
- Founded primarily to locate coal resources for expanding Indian Railways during British rule.
Historical Evolution:
- Early 1800s: Initial geological work done by Survey of India and Army officers like W. Voysey (first geological map of Hyderabad, 1818–23).
- 1837: Committee for “Investigation of Coal and Mineral Resources” created; John McClelland used the term “Geological Survey of India” in 1848.
- 1851: Under Sir Thomas Oldham, continuous institutional geological work started, marking the true beginning of GSI.
- Over 175 years, it evolved into a national repository of geological and mineral data and a globally respected scientific institution.
Key Functions:
- Geological Mapping & Surveys: Systematic mapping of India’s surface and subsurface geology (ground, airborne, marine surveys).
- Mineral Exploration: Scientific assessment of mineral, energy, and water resources.
- Geohazard Studies: Conduct seismotectonic studies, glaciology, climate-change geostudies, and hazard risk investigations.
- Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental Studies: Support infrastructure planning, land stability, groundwater, and environmental assessments.
- National Geoscience Repository: Maintain spatial databases, remote sensing records, geological archives, museums, and data dissemination platforms.
- International Collaboration: Engage with USGS, BGS, Geoscience Australia, polar agencies, and global earth-science missions.
- Capacity Building & Education: Partnerships with universities, training institutions; popularising geoscience among students and public.
- Coordination Role: Aligns with Central & State agencies for mineral exploration, resource management, and scientific advisory support.
