GSI celebrates its 176th foundation day

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) celebrated its 176th foundation day on March 4.

Geological Survey of India

• The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is one of the oldest scientific organisations in the country.

• It was established in 1851 by Sir Thomas Oldham.

• It was set up primarily to find coal deposits for the Railways. Over the years, GSI has not only grown into a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country but has also attained the status of a geo-scientific organisation of international repute. 

• GSI has played a pioneering role in geological mapping, mineral exploration, disaster studies, and geoscientific research, significantly contributing to India’s industrial and economic growth.

• Its main functions relate to creating and updating of national geoscientific information and mineral resource assessment. These objectives are achieved through ground surveys, air-borne and marine surveys, mineral prospecting and investigations, multi-disciplinary geoscientific, geo-technical, geo-environmental and natural hazards studies, glaciology, seismotectonic study and carrying out fundamental research.

• GSI’s core competence in survey and mapping is continuously enhanced through accretion, management, coordination and utilisation of spatial databases (including those acquired through remote sensing). 

• GSI uses the latest computer-based technologies for dissemination of geoscientific information and spatial data, through cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders in the geo-informatics sector.

• Headquartered in Kolkata, GSI is an attached office to the ministry of mines and has regional offices in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Shillong. GSI also has unit offices in almost all states of the country.

(The author is a trainer for Civil Services aspirants.)