On 4 March 2025, Geological Survey of India (GSI) celebrated its 175th Foundation Day with a grand ceremony at its headquarters in Kolkata, West Bengal (WB).
- The event was graced by Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, Ministry of Coal (MoC) and Ministry of Mines (MoM).
- He unveiled a commemorative plaque and a special postal cover to honour the 175-year journey of GSI.
Note: On March 2, 2025, the GSI organized a nationwide walkathon across 27 locations to kick off its 175th Foundation year celebrations, promoting fitness and raising awareness about geoscience, with the theme “Geoscience for a Safe World”.
Key People:
The programme was graced by P. M. Prasad, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD), Coal India Limited, Ghanashyam Sharma, CMD, Hindustan Copper Limited, Yashodhara Ray Chaudhuri, Additional Deputy Comptroller and Auditor General (C & AG) (Mines), A. D. Chaudhary, Director, Indian Museum, Asit Saha, Director General (DG), GSI, Dr. Joydeep Guha, Additional Director General (ADG) and Head of Department (HoD), GSI, Dr. Joyesh Bagchi, ADG (PSS), GSI, other senior officials and retired GSI employees were also present at the event.
Key Points:
i.During the event, Union minister G. Kishan Reddy, launched two significant digital initiatives: the Field Data Acquisition Application (App) and the Geo-heritage App ‘Bhuvirasat’.
- These initiatives aim to improve efficiency of data collection and promote awareness of India’s rich geo-heritage.
ii.He highlighted GSI’s alignment with the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision, focusing on sustainable development and resource security.
iii.The event featured several key highlights, including the release of a video showcasing GSI’s 175-year legacy, the launch of a special publication on ‘Gondwana Basins on the Indian sub-continent’, and the unveiling of a special postal cover by India Post, Department of Posts (DoP), Ministry of Communications to commemorate the occasion.
iv.The event showcased GSI’s contributions and rich legacy, featuring a Map Gallery and various exhibitions, including a working model of a drilling rig, an art exhibition, and displays of GSI’s mineral exploration and research advances.
v.Dr. Joyesh Bagchi, ADG (PSS), GSI, presented a strategic roadmap on ‘Critical Mineral Exploration Strategy’, emphasizing minerals essential for India’s green energy transition.
vi.GSI handed over Regional Mineral Targeting projects to private exploration agencies, promoting public-private partnerships.
About Geological Survey of India (GSI):
The GSI is one of the oldest geological surveys in the world and the second oldest survey in India after the Survey of India (founded in 1767).
Director General (DG) – Asit Saha
Headquarters – Kolkata, West Bengal(WB)
Established – 1851
