Tuesday, August 23, 2011


Minister of State for Mines, Shri Dinsha J. Patel, will inaugurate a two day meeting and exhibition of Central Geological Planning Board, tomorrow.

The theme of the exhibition is "Geophysical Survey".


Shri Dinsha J. Patel, Minister of State for Mines (Independent Charge) will inaugurate an exhibition and the two-day 49th meeting of the Central Geological Programming Board, CGPB, tomorrow.

The CGPB is an important platform to review the programmes of work carried out by the Geological Survey of India, GSI, during the field session 2010-12. The Ministry of Mines in 2009 had reconstituted the CGPB committee into 12 theme-based groups. The main objective of this reconstitution is to enable the States and other stakeholders to accrue benefit from wide participation and interaction with GSI to further their activities and avoid duplication. It would provide a forum for better coordination between Central and State level stakeholders by encouraging the regular functioning of state level Geological Programming Boards, set up by the State governments.

The theme of the exhibition "Geophysical Survey" is mention worthy, because of the growing demand for minerals and metals. The mineral reserves are fast getting depleted. The surface and near-surface deposits discovered are on the verge of getting exhausted. It is, therefore, imperative on the part of geoscientists to locate new reserves from greater depths so as to match up with the demands. It is, therefore, imperative on the part of geoscientists to locate new reserves from greater depths so as to match up with the demands.

With the technological advances world over, Earth Sciences are progressing at a rapid pace. In this context, GSI`s endeavour in taking up hyper spectral mapping of the country besides the national geomorphologic mapping programme is a matter of pride. Further, with the operationalisation of the heliborne survey and acquisition of blue water ocean-going vessel by GSI, the search for mineral resources both on shore and offshore is all set to gain momentum.

Search for minerals is a long drawn exercise, which starts with regional geological mapping and exploration, followed by detailed exploration. The mining industry is dependent on the exploration agencies for economic exploitation of mineral deposit. India is at a critical juncture and poised for a quantum jump in this respect.

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