Improved management of resources has enhanced our core competence to function as a repository for all geological data holdings, says Rajendra Singh Garkhal, Director General, Geological Survey of India.

How do you plan to utilize your years long experience in systematic geological mapping and geochemical mapping to add value to the Geological Survey of India, and what’s your vision for the organization?

Systematic geological mapping: Systematic geological mapping (SGM) on 1:50,000 scale is the most fundamental and basic mapping program of the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Through this program, GSI has covered accessible part of the total mappable area of the country — 3.146 million sq.km. The data generated through this activity has helped to build the knowledge base and database for future geo-scientific studies. Based on this knowledge, GSI has launched specialized thematic mapping (STM) at 1:25,000 scale to unravel the complex geological problems with a renewed focus on mineral prospecting. In the last couple of years, pilot studies with integration of geological mapping and geophysical surveys on 1: 25,000 scale have been taken up under the Integrated Thematic Mapping (ITM) program to understand the 3D geological architecture.

National geochemical mapping: GSI has been carrying out systematic geochemical mapping on 1:50,000 scale under the National Geochemical Mapping NGCM) Programme since 2001-02. This nationwide initiative, involving a systematic geochemical sampling and analyses, will give rise to a valuable database with high accuracy concentration distribution pattern of 62 elements. These elemental distribution patterns will not only help in identifying new prospective areas for future mineral exploration, but will also support in combating hazards like depletion of elements with the potential to affect the biosphere and the ecosystem. This geochemical database will also enable scientists to recommend measures for enhanced agricultural outputs. These programs are implemented based on standard operating procedures (SOPs) following stringent organizational standards, giving rise to invaluable information regarding 2D baseline geoscience. GSI envisages generating systematic subsurface information for areas having mineral potential. Projects like National Aero-geophysical Mapping Programme (NAGMP), UNCOVER, National Geophysical Mapping Programme (NGCM) are steps in this direction. GSI visualizes a future where it will have a multi-purpose, multi-thematic 3D geological database available for all stakeholders and decision-makers of the country.

Can you throw light on some of the key projects of GSI, and how you are leveraging geospatial and other emerging technologies to ensure efficiency in them?

GSI is mandated to serve the government and citizens with up-to-date geoscientific information, facilitate external user interaction, and promote geoscience partnerships. The organization’s strategy in this decade has been to put in place databases, applications and required infrastructure for strengthening geo-information management within GSI and share it with stakeholders as per policy through the state-of-art Online Core Business Integrated System (OCBIS) project. GSI modified its dissemination policy in 2009 and again in 2014 which promulgated dissemination of actual reports, compiled maps, publications and geospatial content in the digital form over the web. Accordingly, the organization implemented standard-based, device independent mission-specific spatial data management systems to capture, store, and disseminate both structured and unstructured data using a spatial technology platform. We have leveraged mobile technology for field data collection, automated and integrated business processes with the Field Season program. This has ensured improved management of resources and enhanced our core competence to function as a Repository for all GSI data holdings.

GSI undertakes field activities through the Field Season Project (FSP) for gathering geoscientific data of various themes. These field data are the prime sources of further analysis leading to creation of information and knowledge and disseminating those using various channels. OCBIS data and service delivery is done through channels such as enterprise portal, geoportal, smart client application, etc. The project involved building a tier II data center and disaster recovery center with hardware and software to host the portal and the application suite. User privacy and security was ensured with secure layers of authentication and authorization using the active directory protocol.

The key processes revolving around FSP have been re-engineered and digitally transformed. The different phases of field work, laboratory analysis and data sharing process is taken care by four complex systems: Field Season Program MIS (FSPMIS), field applications developed over a GIS platform, Laboratory Management System (LMS), and a spatial data portal for search, visualization and download of data (Bhukosh). All these systems are integrated to a geospatial platform and work in a sequential flow. Over the last five years, OCBIS has helped GSI move towards paperless operations. Now, the entire spectrum of data management of GSI can be monitored in real time and different actors in the process have accountability for the task assigned to them.

For the common public, industry, academia, and students, www.gsi.gov.in is now the one stop shop for accessing authentic, standardized geoscientific information encompassing domains like Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry, Geochronology, Geomorphology, Geothermal, Marine Geology, Seismotectonics, Meteorites, Landslide hazards, etc.

GSI has banked on Information Technology for its scientific and administrative processes. The same is visible from the announcement of upgrading the organization’s mobile app. Can you tell us about the new features that will be added to it?

The paradigm shift in addressing day-to-day business needs with mass adoption and rapid advancement of technology on mobile devices has been a big factor. The GSI mobile app is expected to drive value for the work outputs and connect with the internet savvy millennials. It is an intuitive and seamless software solution that has been developed to offer a vast spectrum of captivating content of geoscientific data of GSI for the society at large. Various user interface upgradations for employees and other users are underway and being implemented in phases. The upcoming features of the app include:

• An e-book containing the vast number of geological publications available on GSI portal.
• Modules for organization-specific internal communication and management tools for ease of communication and job management with frontline field geoscientists.
• Tracking and monitoring features for field projects along with the calendar option.
• Access to all documents at a single location.
• Push notifications for urgent organizational news or targeted updates relevant to a whole state unit office.
• Employee engagement through posting of ongoing training opportunities.
• A surveying feature to track field workers’ experience.

How is GSI working towards both unearthing and preserving India’s rich mineral resources?

GSI carries out resource assessment for various mineral commodities like iron ore, manganese, chromite, gold, bauxite, etc., and energy minerals like coal and lignite through systematic mineral exploration across the country. Currently, the organization is carrying out a reconnaissance survey (G4), preliminary exploration (G3), and general exploration (G2) as per the guidelines of Minerals (Evidence of Mineral Contents) Amendment Rules, 2021. Moreover, as per the thrust of the Government of India, GSI has given priority to the exploration of strategic and critical minerals. The ultimate objective is to explore prospective mineralized zones with the potential to be converted into indicated resource, which can be further developed into a mineable reserves by other agencies after auction. In this context, the resource bearing G2/G3 reports and potential G4 blocks of GSI are being handed over to the concerned state governments for auctioning. Till date, 17 mineral blocks developed by GSI have been successfully auctioned across the country. This includes six blocks for gold, one for diamond, two for graphite, two for manganese, two for iron and four for limestone.

We have also initiated search for concealed/deep-seated mineral deposits under the buried terrains in parts of Aravalli-Bundelkhand cratons, East Dharwar-West Dharwar cratons and Singhbhum craton under the flagship project titled UNCOVER. GSI has also adopted an integrated approach through regional mineral targeting (RMT) projects to bring out potential new areas for mineral prospecting. The organization has also established significant coal and lignite resources through regional exploration.

GSI is learnt to be in the process of activating the landslide early warning system in some parts of India. Can you shed light on the project?

GSI has started R&D efforts on the regional Landslide Early Warning System (LEWS) in five states (Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, West Bengal, and Kerala) in continuation of an ongoing international research exposure in LANDSLIP project (started in 2017) after signing an MoU with the British Geological Survey. The LANDSLIP research has developed a prototype model on the terrain-specific rainfall thresholds along with GSI for two pilot areas (Darjeeling in West Bengal and Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu). Since the 2020 monsoon, GSI has started issuing daily landslide forecast bulletins during monsoon to the district administrations in these two pilot areas. The same endeavor has also now been extended to the Kalimpong district of West Bengal.  GSI will extend the ongoing R&D efforts in five additional landslide-prone states from 2022-23.  All the above programs of R&D on regional LEWS in 10 landslide-prone states are part of a high-level approved strategy plan to be executed by 2025. With the above efforts, GSI aims to roll out regional LEWS in  in phases as operational systems at the earliest after successful ground testing and validation in three-four monsoon years.

GSI has recently identified certain geological sites across the Northeast to promote geo-tourism. How do you view the potential of geo-tourism in India, and what can your organization do to promote it?

Owing to its unique geographical position along with the geological setup, the Northeast is blessed with picturesque landscape, lush greenery and snow covered mountains. The climate and neo-tectonism of the region has turned nature into an exquisite sculptor. This itself makes the entire region a favorable destination for geo-tourists. Recently, the Government of India in coordination with the different state governments has undertaken several infrastructure projects, which will lead to the ease in accessibility of the region. The best landscapes, illustrating the evolutionary history of the Earth is an invaluable legacy that not only needs to be conserved as geoheritage sites, but also publicized amongst the masses so that their significance and the need to protect them from the natural degradation and anthropogenic interference is understood by the geoscientific community and society at large.

“GSI has also adopted an integrated approach through regional mineral targeting (RMT) projects to bring out potential new areas for mineral prospecting. The organization has also established significant coal and lignite resources through regional exploration”

GSI takes help of this platform to promote responsible geo-tourism for the sake of posterity.  We have already taken the initiative of sensitizing the local populace in coordination with the local authorities and are working towards protection and preservation of these sites from untoward anthropogenic activities.

Regarding promoting the potential of geo-tourism sites of India, GSI is working on a proposal for preparation, production and launching of a web series on an OTT platform pertaining to different significant geological sites / geoheritage sites across the country to promote geo-tourism and awareness among masses. Earlier, we had published “geo-tourism hotspots in the Indian subcontinent during 35th IGC in 2016 having descriptions of 40 nos. of significant geological sites having potentiality of geo-tourism.  The geoheritage site database mentioned in the aforesaid publication has been updated to 78 nos. of geoheritage sites in different states of India in view of promoting geo-tourism in the publication ‘Geo-tourism sites of India’ on the occasion of 36th IGC in 2020..

Can you tell us about your training courses on Earth Sciences, and what kind of response have you received for them?

The Geological Survey of India Training Institute (GSITI) was established in 1976 with the intent of providing induction-level orientation training to the new entrants. Over the past 45 years, GSITI has expanded to nine training sites across the country. The Hyderabad center, with a proper campus of its own, is designated as the GSITI headquarters. Keeping abreast with the latest developments in Earth Sciences and priorities of the organization, GSITI delivers various types of technical trainings not only to in-house geoscientists but also participants from different central state departments and universities. International geoscientists are also being trained regularly by the institute under the aegis of Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)/ Special Commonwealth Assistance for African Countries (SCAAP) programs. GSITI also conducts repeated programs of ISRO and ONGC.

In the last decade, GSITI has undertaken 1,207 training courses. In 2020-21, GSITI resorted to e-training and blended both (online and offline) models  in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This paradigm shift in training delivery has led to the participation of 14,274 trainees of 504 academic institutions. In 2021-22, GSITI has so far completed 136 training programmes benefiting over 13,750 participants, mostly through e-training. As a part of the Commemoration of 75 years of Indian Independence (Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsava), GSITI has carried out over 26 e-lecture/training sessions for UG/PG students benefitting over 7200 participants. GSITI has also contributed 230 technical lecture videos (of 112 hours) in the iGOT portal on Diksha, DoPT, Government of India.

GSITI has recently launched its 24×7 website for round-the-clock accessibility of various online training courses to its stakeholders. The beta version of this site hosts over 33 recorded training courses (164 lecture videos) and awards certificates to participants upon completion. Moreover, the day-to-day training activities of GSITI like announcements and lists of nominated participants of ongoing programmes are regularly uploaded on this website. Over 12,400 participants have already registered on this website and are undergoing the technically rich courses offered by this institute.