Geological Survey of India: Anniversary
The Geological Survey of India (GSI), one of the oldest scientific organizations in the country, is set to celebrate its 175th year of geoscientific legacy.
- Geological Survey of India was set up in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham, primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways.
- Over the years, it has grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country.
- It includes providing objective, impartial and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy-making decisions, and commercial and socio-economic needs.
- It also emphasises systematic documentation of all geological processes, both surface and subsurface, of India and its offshore areas.
- The organisation carries out this work through geological, geophysical, & geochemical surveys using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies.
- The main functions of the GSI relate to the creation and updation of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment.
- It has played a pioneering role in geological mapping, mineral exploration, disaster studies, and geoscientific research, significantly contributing to India’s industrial and economic growth
- It is headquartered in Kolkata and has six regional offices located at Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong and Kolkata. Every state has a state unit.
- Presently, GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines.
