Geological Survey of India

Chapter 5
Geological Survey of India

5.1 Geological Survey of India, the premier earth GSI portal. Nevertheless, as geological mapping is a
science organisation of the country, continues to subjective exercise, there is always a scope for
provide vital input into all facets of national economic qualitative improvement through revisiting in
development. GSI is the prime provider of basic earth progressively larger and larger scale with contemporary
science information to the government, industry and advanced concepts.
the general public, as well as a responsive participant
5.5 With the near exhaustion of resources to the
in international geoscientific forum. The vibrant steel,
proximity of surface, it has become imperative to have
coal, metals, cement and power industries which
expanded phenomenally in the post-independence a multidisciplinary approach to mineral exploration,
era, bear eloquent testimony to the GSI's relevance in which comprises large scale, and detail geological
the national context. mapping aided by interpretative analysis of
aerogeophysical and remotely sensed data, ground
5.2 Beginning as a department engaged primarily in geophysical survey, geochemical prospecting and
search for coal, GSI in the last 156 years has expanded surface and subsurface exploration through pitting,
its activities manifold and has been involved either trenching and drilling. Collection of baseline data on
directly or indirectly in almost all areas of nation geo-environment has been made mandatory during
building. GSI is now the custodian of one of the largest
the exploration of minerals, which would be of
and most comprehensive earth science database
immense help in carrying out Environmental Impact
developed over the last one and half century. It has
Assessment and Environmental Monitoring and
also diversified its activities covering almost the entire
Production studies during exploitation stage.
gamut of earth science including its applied aspects.
5.3 The rigorous field exercises put in by Geological 5.6 Present day mineral search and assessment is
Survey of India produce basic geological maps. These undertaken with special emphasis on deficient
maps are 2D representation of spatial distribution of commodity of high value (e.g. gold, diamond, PGE
various rock types with azimuthally orientated data. etc) as well as ores and minerals of high demand
(basemetals, iron ore, coal, lignite, limestone for steel
5.4 A good geological map in 1: 50,000 scale is a
industry etc.).
national property and any subsequent activity in the
area be it exogenic, endogenic or anthropogenic can 5.7 GSI has made significant contributions in the Xth
be predicted or planned from the study of such maps. Plan period, and has rendered extremely valuable
The basic strength of GSI is in producing such maps. service to the nation by way of augmentation of
GSI has already mapped 98% of land area of India in resources of coal and lignite, gold, copper, manganese,
1: 63, 360 (1inch = 1mile) or 1: 50,000 (1cm= 500m) limestone, etc. During the XIth Plan, GSI will maintain
scale and these 1st generation geological maps are now the sustained mapping and exploration activities for
ready in digital format. Attribute data from such maps development of the country's mineral resources and
are being made ready in geodatabase format to enable refinement and updating of the geo-scientific database
working under GIS platform and also are uploaded in of the Survey for a wide spectrum of end-users.

Ministry of Mines 18
 Geological Survey of India
5.8 At present, both Multi-National Companies and the preceding plan periods. The thrust areas are
national agencies are actively engaged in mineral identified keeping in mind the role of GSI, planned
exploration and many new potential areas are being objectives of the XIth Plan and emerging national
handed over to such private bodies for exploration priorities.
under various licenses such as Reconnaissance
Permits, Prospecting Licences, etc. These 5.12 The Charter of functions (revised, June 2003)
developments have heightened the need for laid down by the Government of India, detailing the
strengthening the institutional role of the Government scope of activities and responsibilities of the GSI
as a regulator for the exploration and mining activities. encompasses practically the entire gamut of earth
GSI plays a key role not only in guiding the science activities. The Charter reflects the broad
Government in the grant of licenses but also ensuring responsibility of GSI extending from the lofty peaks of
that the exploration is carried out in accordance with the Himalaya to the remote continent of Antarctica
the stipulated norms of the Government. and from the desert to the ocean and into the sky.

5.9 In the liberalised economic scenario, where both
Creation and updation of national geoscientific
national and foreign agencies are actively engaged in information and knowledge base through ground,
mineral exploration, the earth scientists of GSI have marine and airborne surveys. Growing emphasis
made significant contributions to the growth and on concept oriented thematic geological mapping
development of the mineral sector of the country. on progressively larger scales, geochemical and
During 2006-07, several new findings have been geophysical mapping.
reported. In search of diamond four new bodies of

Identification as well as preliminary assessment
kimberlite have been found, out of which two are in
of the mineral resources.
Timmasamudram area, Anantapur district and two in
Chagapuram area, Mahaboobnagar district, Andhra
Geoscientific input to water resource
Pradesh. Besides locating copper in Maharashtra and development, transport and miscellaneous civil
Rajasthan, gold in Rajasthan, manganese ore in the engineering projects.
Bonai-Keonjhar Belt in Orissa are some of the other
recent achievements of GSI in the preceding year.
Greater emphasis on natural hazard studies and
disaster management including earthquake and
5.10 The 42nd Annual Meeting of the Central landslide zonation studies.
Geological Programming Board (CGPB) was held on
27 th September 2007. The CGPB consisting of
Shallow Subsurface Geology
representatives of Central and State Governments,

Geo-environmental investigations for both
Public Sector Undertakings and some Private agencies,
regional and site specific studies.
is the apex body at the national level to overview the
programme of geoscientific activities including mineral
Computerised archival, analyses, retrieval of
exploration in the country. geoscientific data and creation of theme-based
Role of GSI vis-à-vis Thrust areas of activity relational database.

5.11 GSI has already initiated activities under the XIth
Dissemination of data through maps, publications,
Five Year Plan (2007-2012) from 1st April, 2007 in customization, intranet/extranet facilities through
accordance with projections in the XIth Plan Proposal. GSI portal etc.
The thrusts of XI th Plan programmes have been

Training in specialised fields for upgradation of
formulated maintaining an umbilical link with those
technology and expertise.
of the preceding plan period. This is in line with the
basic philosophy of continuity in Five-Year Plans for
Modernisation and expansion of laboratories and
ensuring logical conclusion of projects taken up in survey facilities.

19 Annual Report 2007-08

Geological Survey of India

5.13 Specialised thematic studies, multi-elemental SAARC countries. The training programmes are
geochemical mapping of the country, low-altitude focused on fundamentals and applied aspects of
aerogeophysical multi-sensor surveys and ground geosciences viz. Geology, Geophysics, Geochemistry,
geophysical mapping have been given priority to locate Natural Hazards, Remote Sensing, Drilling and
so far undiscovered and / or deep-seated /concealed Surveying. The Institute regularly conducts DST
prospects/deposits based on new concepts of ore genesis. (Department of Science & Technology) supported
Seabed survey will continue in Territorial Waters and programmes, ISRO (Department of Space) supported
parametric survey in EEZ along with preliminary Remote Sensing (NNRMS) programmes, customized
assessment of economic resources in seabed. courses for other agencies and administrative courses
for the departmental personnel. GSI will continue its
5.14 The principal thrust of GSI in mineral exploration
role in providing professional training for the benefit
would remain on noble metals, precious stones, base
of the department.
metal, ferrous and non-ferrous (bauxite), fertilizer, strategic,
refractory and high-tech. minerals along with coal and Modernisation in GSI
lignite. In addition to mineral prognostication, the
5.17 As a result of systematic and concerted effort
organization would continue with systematic updating of
made in the Geological Survey of India during the Xth
the database in the mineral resource sector to provide
plan period to upgrade and modernize various
reliable and relevant information on mineral and other
laboratories, international standard laboratory back-
natural resources to the public and private sector
up have been provided to all the ongoing field
entrepreneurs to sustain investment in mineral sector.
investigations with the help of state-of-the-art
5.15 Increased emphasis will be given on instruments. Since upgradation and modernisation of
environmental geology programmes related to societal the laboratory facilities are continuous processes, the
issues e.g. landslide studies, earthquake geology and same will be continued during the XIth plan also and
health hazard related problems etc. and seismo- procurement and installation of instruments like
tectonic and landslide zonation studies. Intensification DCARC Spectrometer, AAS, Marine Cesium
of programme on information technology will be Magnetometer, XRD, Echo-sounder, Shear wave
another area of thrust. velocity instrument, Magneto-telluric instrument,
Absolute Gravimeter, Current Meter, Fusion Bead
5.16 Since its inception in 1976, the GSI Training
machine etc. have been planned.
Institute has conducted 616 training programmes (up
to 2006-07) and trained 12,089 geoscientists of GSI, 5.18 During the Xth Plan (2002-2007), a sum of Rs.
other earth science organizations and universities of 153.55 crore (including Rs. 38.76 crore towards IT
the country and also geoscientists from ESCAP and equipment) has been utilised towards procurement of

Sh. J.P. Singh, Chairman & Secretary (Mines) and Dr. Pradeep Kumar, the GSI scientists conducting Marine Survey on the ship
then Special Secretary (Mines), releasing GSI Bulletin on Beas Sutlej Link
Project at 42nd CGPB meeting on 27th September, 2007 at New Delhi

Ministry of Mines 20
 Geological Survey of India
laboratory instruments, drilling accessories and IT large-scale (1:25,000 or larger) studies/mapping
equipment. The Planning Commission has accorded projects (Specialised Thematic Mapping or STM) to
“In Principle Approval” for the acquisition of resolve many of the geological ambiguities. Thematic
Geotechnical Vessel and the necessary DPR & EFC mapping has been carried out covering 1,28,114.5 sq
document have been submitted. km since the inception of STM. During the first year
(2007) of the XIth plan period a coverage of 2606 sq.
5.19 The Government has approved the acquisition
km. has been achieved. The Specialised Thematic
of a new deep sea going research vessel for Geological
Mapping is a very potent tool for not only solving
Survey of India at an estimated cost of Rs. 448 crores
complex geological problems but also an excellent
for carrying out seabed surveys and exploration of non-
tool for locating potential mineralized zones. Base
living resources. Procurement action for the Research
metal investigation in Nimod Extension Block of Sikar
Vessel is on.
District, Rajasthan has been taken up in 2007-08 on
5.20 The Government has decided for setting up of a the basis of findings of STM. Preliminary investigation
High Powered Committee to thoroughly review the for phosphorite in the meta-sediments of Sirohi Group
functioning of Geological Survey of India and assess around Khivandi, NW of Sumerpur, Pali District,
its capacity to meet the emerging challenges taking Rajasthan has been taken up in 2007-08 on the basis
into the organization's technological and manpower of the findings of earlier STM. Preliminary investigation
resources. for nickel, cobalt and platinoid group of elements in
the basic–ultrabasic intrusive around Gondpipri area,
5.21 Geological Survey of India is acquiring heliborne Chandrapur Dist, Maharashtra is also proposed to be
survey system fitted with sensors for improving the taken as a spin off from thematic studies.
quality of exploration and for tapping deep seated
mineral resources in addition to updating the Geochemical Mapping (GCM)
techniques for ground geological and geophysical
5.25 Though Geochemical Mapping (GCM)
survey, precision analytical instruments and deep
constituted a part of exploration from the late seventies,
capacity drills. MOU has been signed between Pico
systematic coverage of the entire country through such
Enviortech Inc., Canada and Geological Survey of
mapping started in GSI only during 2001-02. Mapping
India for the purchase of the heliborne system.
is done in 1: 50,000 scale with sampling and analysis
5.22 The details of the geoscientific surveys and of stream sediment, soil, stream water, humus etc.
mineral finds during the period by GSI are under :
5.26 During the Xth Plan period 1,13,174 sq km and
Systematic Geological Mapping in XIth Plan 12,967 sq km (up to December 2007)
has been covered. During the XIth Plan, the thrust on
5.23 The most basic and fundamental activity of GSI Geochemical Mapping will be continued in almost
is systematic geological mapping on 1:50,000 scale all the States.
which provides data for National Geoscientific
Information and knowledge base for undertaking 5.27 Analytical results received so far are being
almost all the subsequent earth science related processed to generate the basic statistics of all the
programmes. An area of 395 sq. km. has been covered elements with the application of statistical software. A
by Systematic Geological mapping in parts of few mineral exploration programmes have been
Kokrajhar District, Assam. An area of 135 sq. km has framed on the basis of the interpretated results of GCM
been covered by the Systematic Geological Mapping in West Bengal, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, Andhra
in parts of Kohima and Peren Districts, Nagaland by Pradesh, Kerala, etc.
photo-geological interpretation and field checks.
Geophysical Mapping (GPM)
Specialised Thematic Studies
5.28 Systematic ground gravity-magnetic mapping for
5.24 GSI has mounted specialised theme oriented the preparation of Gravity – Magnetic (G-M) maps of

21 Annual Report 2007-08

Geological Survey of India

MINERAL EXPLORATION — Target vs. Achievements

Large Scale Mapping (in sq. km.)

Detailed Mapping (in sq. km.)

Drilling (in meter)

Ministry of Mines 22
 Geological Survey of India
the country in 1: 50,000 scale is one of the missions involving an area of 5353 sq km in Baihar – Katru
of GSI. This involves acquiring G-M data at an average areas (extension of Malanjkhand area, Madhya Pradesh
frequency of one station per every 2.5 sq.km. over the and Chattisgarh) during the Field Season 2006-07.
entire Indian shield, the Indo-Gangetic plain, the
5.32 During the Field Season 2007-08
Eastern and Western Ghat areas including the coastal
aerogeophysical surveys have been planned in the
plains and other covered areas. However, this excludes
following areas: i) Western Off-shore of India between
the inaccessible terrains both in the extra peninsular
Kanyakumari and south of Kannur about 12,650 lkm
regions and in the shield. Such coverage will pave
with line spacing of 2.5 km. The item was kept as
the way for grass root level planning in prognostication
alternative item for the last two field seasons. ii) Kanker
of potential areas for the exploration of metallic/non-
area in the Bastar Craton in Central India, Chhattisgarh
metallic mineral deposits in addition to the
state about 15,400 lkm with line spacing 500m., iii)
demarcation of potential hazard areas from
Mauranipur-Sarila area, Jhansi and Gwalior districts,
environmental point of view. Even 3D basin
Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh respectively about
configuration and important geohydrological
15,500 lkm with line spacing 500m is proposed as
parameters can be mapped through such endeavour.
alternative item.
Systematic gravity and magnetic (VF) mapping
covering more than 100 toposheets (1: 50,000) with Aerogeophysical Data Processing
70,183.30 sq. km. area has been completed during
the Xth Plan period under this project. GPM of 13,406 5.33 Processing of multisensor aerogeophysical data
sq km has been completed under the project acquired during the earlier field seasons for generation
Geophysical Mapping during the XI Plan period up to of total intensity magnetic and radiometric (U, Th, and
December 2007. A total of 10 items were taken up for the total count) has been completed for Bangalore-
Geophysical Mapping by different Regions. Penukonda area in parts of Karnataka and Andhra
Pradesh and in Chhattisgarh Basin, Madhya Pradesh
Air Borne Geophysical Survey and Orissa. Processing of data for Nagpur-Wardha
Valley and Kamptee coal field area, Maharashtra
5.29 The Air Borne Mineral Survey and Exploration
involving 32,500 lkm and Baihar-Kutru area involving
Wing (AMSE) of Geological Survey of India is engaged
10,706 lkm are under progress.
in air borne geophysical surveys by deploying
magnetic and gamma ray spectrometric techniques. 5.34 The geophysical interpretation and
The surveys are subsequently followed up by data prognosticated maps were prepared for Chhattisgarh
processing, preparation of aerogeophysical maps and area. Interpretation of aeromagnetic data in parts of
their interpretations. West Khasi Hills and Kamrup districts of Meghalaya
and Assam respectively, and Bangalore-Penukonda
Multi Sensor Survey with the Twin Otter Airborne
area in parts of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh are in
Survey System (TOASS)
progress.
5.30 Since the acquisition and induction of TOASS
Marine Survey
by GSI in 1986, a total of 4,32,433 line km (lkm) over
an area of 2,09,572 sq km was covered by multisensor 5.35 Geological Survey of India carried out off shore
surveys involving magnetic, spectrometric and geoscientific studies both in the Exclusive Economic
electromagnetic methods. Zone (EEZ) and Territorial Waters (TW) along the East
and West coasts of India. Surveys in the near shore
5.31 A total of 28,777 line km over an area of 14,388
zones (0m-10m isobaths) were carried out using hired
sq km has been covered [i.e. aerogeophysical
small mechanical boats.
multisensor data have been acquired for 18,071 line
km involving an area of 9035 sq km in Nagpur – 5.36 Three cruises aboard R.V. Samudra Manthan both
Wardha valley (Maharashtra) and 10,706 line km within and beyond EEZ covering studies on

23 Annual Report 2007-08

Geological Survey of India

SURVEY AND MAPPING —•Target vs. Achievements

Systematic Geological Mapping (in sq. km.) Special Thematic Mapping (in sq. km.)
(Scale 1:50,000) (Scale 1:25,000)

Geochemical Mapping (in sq. km.) Geophysical Mapping (in sq. km.)
(Scale 1:50,000) (Scale 1:50,000)

Territorial Water (coastal launches)

(in sq. km.)

Ministry of Mines 24
 Geological Survey of India
Geomorphological and Tectonic set up of Comorin preliminary exploration. Therefore, to cater to the
Ridge off Kanyakumari; bathymetry and magnetic demand of the nation for providing reliable information
survey off (i) Kakinada-Visakhapatnam, (ii) Ongole and on mineral and other natural resources to the public
(iii) Puducherri-Nagapattinam; monitoring of Barren and private entrepreneurs, systematic updating of the
and Narcondam island volcano have been undertaken. database of the survey in the mineral sector is being
continued. Thus, mineral investigation remains a
5.37 Six cruises aboard R.V. Samudra Kaustubh within
primary thrust area for the activities of GSI.
the TW off the east coast covering: studies on the
Seabed Morphology and Depositional Environment off 5.41 The endeavor of earth scientists through their
Ganga Delta; Geotechnical appraisal of the shelf of rigorous routine and theme based concept oriented
Nagavalli River mouth, North Andhra Pradesh and survey over the country helped in estimation of
parametric evaluation of Mahandi-Dhamra river additional resources for coal, platinum group of metals,
mouths; Monitoring of coastal processes and shoreline gold, basemetals, iron ore, manganese, graphite,
changes off Godavari Delta-Visakhapatnam Sector, limestone, and in locating new bodies of kimberlites,
Mapping of the seabed within Territorial Waters off the source rock for diamond. Present day mineral
Tamil Nadu Coast have been taken up. search and assessment is undertaken with special
emphasis on deficient commodity of high value (e.g.
5.38 Six cruises aboard R.V. Samudra Saudikama
gold, diamond, Platinum Group of Elements (PGE),
within the TW off the west coast covering: studies on
etc) as well as ores and minerals of high demand
Geotechnical investigation around the Vengurla
(basemetals, iron ore, coal, lignite, limestone for steel
Fishing Harbour, Maharashtra; Mapping of the seabed
industry etc.).
within Territorial Waters off Maharashtra coast (Virar
to Santa Cruz), Mumbai; Parametric studies within 5.42 During Annual Programme (2007-08), a total of
Territorial waters off Kerala coast between Azhikod 103 items are planned for mineral investigation of
and Ambalapuzha; Geotechnical investigation off which 22 items are under coal/lignite, and 81 items
Badagara, Kerala; Parametric studies within Territorial belong to ore and mineral (including ground follow
Waters off Kerala coast between Azhikod and up of air borne anomalies). Of the 81 items, 23 items
Ambalapuzha; Preliminary evaluation of relict sands for gold, 12 for diamond, 23 of base metal and 6 of
beyond territorial waters off Kerala coast between ferrous minerals have been taken up. The state wise
Beypore and Kannur have been taken up. and region wise break up of these items is given in
Table 5.1.
5.39 Other studies from Marine Wing include
Taphonomic significance of benthonic foraminifers, 5.43 Physical inputs for implementation of above
ostracodes, pelecypods, gastropods and bryozoa in the programmes were 784.50 sq. km for large-scale
shelf areas of Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea during mapping, 14.94 sq. km of detailed mapping and
the Holocene Period; Development and Enrichment 52,298.68 metres drilling (upto December, 2007)
of Marine Geosciences Database; Study on the effect (Annexure–V). Laboratory supports in the form of
of salinity-temperature on recent planktonic chemical, petrological and mineralogical
foraminifera along a north-south transect in Bay of determinations were also given.
Bengal; Study of sediments from Central Andaman
Coal & Lignite
Trough/Spreading Centre; Study of creeks in
Sundarbans; Bathymetric survey and 5.44 Exploration for coal has been carried out in
geoenvironmental study of Hatalia-Doania River different Gondwana basins of Andhra Pradesh (2
(between Muri Ganga & Saptamukhi River). items), Chhattisgarh (5 items), Jharkhand (5 items),
Madhya Pradesh (7 items), Maharashtra (2 items),
Mineral Search and Evaluation
Orissa (6 items) and West Bengal (2 items) totaling 29
5.40 GSI is still regarded as the prime source for basic items in all, including 9 promotional items. Six
earth science data for India up to the level of exploration items for lignite, three each in Rajasthan

25 Annual Report 2007-08

Geological Survey of India

Table 5.1
State-wise as well as Region-wise Mineral Investigations for FS 2007-08
Minerals TOTAL
State/Region Coal/ Base Gold Diamond Strategic Precious Iron Manganese Others
Lignite Metal (PGE)
Andaman & Nicobar Islands
West Bengal 1 2 3
Sikkim
Jharkhand 5 4 1 9+1
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Bihar
Orissa 4 1+1 1 1 7+1
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Sub Total: Eastern Region 10 6 1+1 1 1 1 19+2
(ASGE) (ASGE) (ASGE)
Maharashtra 2 1 3
Madhya Pradesh 4 3 1+2 1 9+2
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Chattisgarh 4 1+2 1 6+2
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Sub Total: Central Region 8 5 2+4 1 1 1 18+4
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Rajasthan 2 13 5 1 2 23
Gujarat 1 1
Sub Total: Western Region 2 13 5 1 3 24
Andhra Pradesh 1 3 3+1 1 8+1
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Karnataka & Goa 6 3 1 10
Tamil Nadu 1 1 1 2 1 1 6+1
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Kerala 1 1
Sub Total: Southern Region 2 11 3+1 1+1 5 2 1 25+2
(ASGE) (ASGE) (ASGE)
Uttar Pradesh 1 1
Uttarakhand 1 1 2
Himachal Pradesh 2 2
Haryana 1 1
Punjab
Jammu & Kashmir
Sub Total: Northern Region 3 1 1 1 6
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Manipur
Meghalaya 1+1 1 2+1
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Mizoram
Nagaland
Tripura
Sub Total: North Eastern Region 1+1 1 2+1
(ASGE) (ASGE)
Grand Total 22 22+1 23 6+6 1+2 8 5 1 6 94+9
(ASGE) (ASGE) (ASGE) (ASGE)

ASGE - AIRBORNE SURVEY GROUND EVALUATION

Ministry of Mines 26
 Geological Survey of India
and Tamil Nadu are continuing of which five items Rajasthan led to the augmentation of gold ore
are promotional. An additional resource of 2290.14 resource of 7.32 million tonnes with average grade
million tonnes of Coal has been assessed from the data of 1.30 g/t gold. A total resource of gold ore in the
generated from regional exploration by GSI during area is 55.22 million tones with 1.87 g/t Au.
2006 -2007 (up to June, 07).
Diamond
5.45 Regional exploration strategy for F.S. 2007-2008
 Two kimberlite (source rock for diamond) pipes
has been designed on the basis of XIth Plan proposal
each have been located near Chagapuram,
of the Sub-Group III of Working Group on Coal and
Mahboonagar district and Timmasamudram area,
Lignite, government guidelines from time to time and
Anantapur district, Andhra Pradesh.
the decision of the Sub Committee of Energy Minerals
(Group III of Central Geological Programming Board) Platinoid Group of Elements (PGE)
and XIth Plan proposals of GSI. GSI has formulated a
 Investigation for PGE mineralisation was
total of 22 exploration items, out of which 18 items
continued in Hanumalapura area of Karnataka
fall in Coal India Limited, 1 item in Singareni Collieries
over 1.8 km strike length and resource of 0.546
Company Limited and 3 items in Lignite bearing areas.
million tonne of PGE ore with (Pt + Pd) values
5.46 The geological resource of coal of the country ranging from 0.50 ppm to 2.93 ppm has been
stands at 257.38 billion tonnes and lignite at 38.75 augmented.
billion tonnes as on 01.04.2007.
Basemetals
Coal Bed Methane (CBM)
 In the Nim-Ka-Thana Copper prospect, Sikar
5.47 In course of regional exploration in Rajmahal – district, Rajasthan a resource of 46.26 million
Birbhum Master Basin, gas desorption studies carried tonnes has been estimated from four blocks. The
out by GSI in Kapasdanga-Bharkata and Salbadra- main three contributing blocks being Dokan
Gomarpahari and Gosaipahari-Siulibana sectors (25.56 mt), Baniwala-Ki-Dhani (13.17mt) and
revealed low gas content (<0.5cc/gm) in most of the Dokan North (5.6 mt) with 0.38%, 0.45% and
samples and the chromatographic study of these gas 0.30 % Cu respectively.
samples indicated abundance of methane (>99%)
 Investigation for basemetals in Thanewasna and
whereas higher hydrocarbons are present in traces.
Dubarpeth- Karanji block, Chandrapur District,
Resource Augmentation Maharashtra led to the estimation of 1.13 million
tonnes of copper ore with average grade of 1.1%
Gold
copper and 0.35 million tonnes of Copper ore with
 Exploration for gold in Ajjanahalli central and 0.67 % Cu respectively.
northern sectors, Tumkur district, Karnataka led
Bauxite
to the estimation of additional resource of about
0.48 million tonne of gold ore with grade varying  From Kadalia, Kendujhar district, Orissa, a
from 1.65 g/t Au to 1.70 g/t Au. resource of 1.97 million tonnes bauxite with an
average grade of 48.34% Al 2 O 3 has been
 Exploration for gold in Bangargatti block, (North
estimated.
& South sector), Dharwar district, Karnataka has
been carried out. Bedrock and trench samples Iron Ore
from Banded Magnetite Quartize bands have
 Investigation for iron ore in four blocks in
indicated gold values from 0.03 to as high as
Namakkal district, Tamil Nadu, was carried out.
35.00 g/t.
A resource of 14.03 million tonnes of magnetite
 Exploration for gold-copper mineralisation in three ore with Fe content of 31 to 37% has been
blocks of Bhukia Gold belt, Banswara district, assessed.

27 Annual Report 2007-08

Geological Survey of India

 In NMDC block, in parts of Sandur Schist belt, projects etc. GSI took up 34 items of geotechnical and
Bellary district, Karnataka a resource of 8 million engineering geological studies through 276
tonnes of iron ore with > 55% Fe has been investigations related to Civil Engineering projects for
assessed. Water Resource Development, creation of
communication network, river linking projects,
 Good quality iron ore have also been recorded
transport and other infrastructural facilities in almost
from Ghutang and Pathargada area, Kendujhar
all the states of the country. Further GSI has also
District, Orissa and Aridongri area, Kanker district,
extended its expertise in International projects like
Chhattisgarh.
Punatsangchhu Hydroelectric Project I & II, Bhutan
Manganese and at Sunkosi-Sapta Kosi Project, Nepal.

 Exploration for manganese in Lasarda (Bolani) Landslide Hazard Studies

block, Bonai-Keonjhar belt, Kendujhar district,
5.49 Being declared Nodal Agency on Landslide by
Orissa, was continued. A resource of 2.47 million
the Government of India, GSI is systematically carrying
tonnes manganese ore has been estimated with
out Landslide Hazard Zonation (LHZ) Mapping on
an average grade of 24.61% Mn. Resources
different scales, Site Specific Study of Landslides for
estimated from the adjacent blocks explored
their stabilization and preparation of Inventory of
earlier is 4.73million tonnes with average grade
Landslides. Further, Detailed Project Reports (DPR) of
ranging from 22.27% to 26.15% Mn.
9 proposed Hydroelectric Projects submitted to CEA
Limestone by various states (e.g. Tamil Nadu, Manipur, Sikkim,
Meghalaya and Uttarakhand) and central agencies for
 A resource of 33.74 million tonnes marginal geotechnical appraisal and evaluation for techno-
cement grade limestone has been assessed in economic clearance have been scrutinized, offered
Vridhachalam sub-basin, Cuddalore District, Tamil suggestions and recommendations for further detailed
Nadu. geotechnical investigations after critical review of DPRs
 Additional resource of 280.80 million tonnes of and made interaction with CEA / CWC and other
limestone of various grades has been estimated in agencies. Few salient assignments for landslide in
Jaintia Hills district, Meghalaya. different states are given below:

 Uttarakhand: Landslide hazard zonation in parts

Graphite
of Ramganga basin on Macro scale (1:50,000),
 A resource of 0.76 million tonne of graphite Landslide hazard zonation along Tiuni-Harkidun
(average grade of 13% Fixed Carbon) has been communication route in Uttarkashi and Dehradun
estimated for a strike length of 1 km in Arasanur districts on Macro scale (1:50,000), Landslide at
block, Sivaganga District, Tamil Nadu. 83 km on Badethi-Banchoura-Bhadrigad Road of
PWD, Thatyud, District Tehri Garhwal.
Geotechnical Investigations
 Himachal Pradesh: At landslide and subsidence
5.48 The Geological Survey of India has made Zone at the road section between Kot nala and
commendable contribution at different stages of Khanag nala along Anni-Jalori Road, District Kulu.
geotechnical investigations for the successful
 Jammu & Kashmir: Landslide hazard zonation on
completion of large numbers of Water Resource
Meso scale (1:10,000) around Vaishnodevi
Projects like hydroelectric, irrigation and river linking
Temple.
projects within the country and outside. GSI has also
extended its expertise in a number of communication  Tamil Nadu: Site Specific Study of Landslides
projects, thermal power projects, defense installations, around Coonoor and Mettupalayam, District
urban development, industrial estate development Coonoor.

Ministry of Mines 28
 Geological Survey of India
 Kerala: Landslide Hazard Zonation around 5.54 During Seismic Hazard Microzonation studies
Kurusumala area, Dist. Kottayam, on Meso scale of Puducherri Urban Agglomeration, 45 sq km area
(1:10,000), Inventory of two Landslides namely was covered by detailed geological, geomorphological
Tinur slide in Kozhikode district and Valanthode studies on 1:25,000 scale. Microzonation studies of
slide in District Wynad. Chandigarh Urban Complex have also been done.
Field investigation in NE and SE parts of Bhavnagar
 Karnataka and Goa: Study of unstable slopes in
town and preparation of surface lithological map was
and around Mangalore.
undertaken for seismic hazard microzonation of
 Maharashtra: LHZ on Macro scale (1:50,000) Bhavnagar Town, Gujarat.
covering a length of 237.5 lkm along NH-17
5.55 Active Fault Studies along foothills of Bhutan
between Mumbai and Goa Highway was carried
Himalaya in the Kokrajhar district of Assam, covered
out following modified BIS guidelines in
an area of 200 sq km for preparation of morphotectonic
collaboration with NRSA. The facet maps and
/lineament map along with measurement of 9 lkm of
other thematic maps are under preparation. The
scarp section.
LHZ map will be developed after preparing all
the thematic maps like slope, lithology, structure, 5.56 Monitoring of GPS stations installed across Great
landuse, landcover, relative relief, hydrogeology, Bengal Fault in Boghajot- Patharia-Dhumdangi-
slope erosion condition, landslide incidence etc. Daspara, Darjeeling & North Dinajpur District, West
Site-Specific Study of Bhilar slide along Panchgani- Bengal will continue along with monitoring of GPS
Mahabaleshwar Road is being undertaken. stations installed in Andaman & Nicobar group Islands.
Monitoring of ground motion across Mishmi Thrust
Earthquake Geology
and Lohit Thrust in parts of Upper and Lower Dibang
5.50 Work on seismic hazard microzonation of Valley Districts and Lohit District, Arunachal Pradesh
Mumbai area led to preparation of series of thematic using DGPS has also been taken up.
maps for the purpose of ground characterization that
5.57 Two broadband seismic observatories of GSI at
classified Mumbai City into five zones.
Jabalpur and Nagpur are continuously engaged in
5.51 There were reports of subterranean sounds and monitoring and acquisition of seismic events.
tremors in Nanded town, Maharashtra in two spells
Geoenvironmental studies
during December 2006 and April 2007. The
microearthquake (MEQ) network recorded three 5.58 Geological Survey of India took up 21
seismic events from the area during the period of survey geoenvironmental investigations during Field Season
after December, 2006 incident. 2006-07. Multiple investigations include Regional
Geo-environmental Appraisal, Site/Theme Specific
5.52 Active fault studies in parts of piedmont belt at
Geo-environmental studies, Public Health Hazard,
Nagrakata – Rajabhatkhawa sector, Jalpaiguri and
Desert Geology and Studies of coastal dynamics and
Cooch Bihar Districts, West Bengal, was continued.
fluvio- geomorphic dynamics. A few significant
With a view to study micro-earthquakes in Sikkim-
programmes are discussed here:
Darjeeling Lesser Himalaya, four digital seismographs
were installed in a network comprising Darjeeling,
Detailed geoenvironmental appraisal covering
Kalimpong, Singtam and Jorethang. 775 sq. km. area in parts of Bhabhar belt of
Nainital district, Uttarakhand. Deepening of
5.53 In the Active Fault Studies in Himalayan Frontal
ground water level in the Bhabhar zone is a serious
Belt along Ropar Tear, traverse mapping (on 1:50,000
environmental hazard, where the depth to water
scale) covering 60 lkm was carried out along HFT and
level varies from 100m to 125m below ground
Ropar Tear between Sutlej and Ghaggar rivers for
level (b.g.l.) due to unconfined nature and high
locating signatures of neotectonic activity in the area.
permeability of the strata.

29 Annual Report 2007-08

Geological Survey of India

Studies on the development of Arsenic toxicity risk these multidisciplinary and multi-institutional
mitigation strategy in groundwater of West Bengal expeditions in Antarctica. The major scientific
has established the geo-remedial measures for programmes of GSI in Antarctica include geological
arsenic pollution in ground water in the areas mapping on 1:50,000 scale, large scale thematic
around Gotra-Ghetugachi villages in Chakdah mapping for petrochemical and geochronological
Block of Nadia district, West Bengal. The mode studies, glaciological observations on advance and
of occurrence of arsenic free Pleistocene “Orange recessional behaviour of polar continental ice, studies
sand”, which is comparatively more common in on shelf ice for accumulation patterns, glacial
the western part of West Bengal, has been dynamics recording the movement directions and
delineated in the arsenic affected areas of the velocity of glaciers and ice sheets, ice core drilling
eastern part in the depth range of 40m to 50m. and lake sediment coring for palaeo-climatic studies,
Geomorphological signatures for identifying the thermal profiling of glaciers and permafrost
preserved extension of the “Orange sand” horizon observations, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey
have been established. for delineation of grounding-line of the shelf ice and

Detailed geotechnical investigation for the plotting of lake-bathymetry.
conservation of the archaeological monuments at
5.62 During the 26th expedition, GSI team (along with
Ajanta and Ellora Caves, Aurangabad district,
a scientist from National Centre for Antarctic and
Maharashtra has been carried out.
Ocean Research, Goa) drilled two boreholes of ~77m

Geo-environmental appraisal covering 220 sq. km and ~55 m depth on the Ice Shelf. While returning,
area in parts of Junagadh, Porbandar district, GSI team carried out traverse-mapping in 50 sq km
Gujarat was carried out to evaluate Geo- area in Larsemann Hills covering “Bharti”, McLeod,
environmental impact of Mining Industry and the Stornes and Fisher Islands.
study of coastal process on the development of
different types of landscape. Human Resource Development

Monitoring of coastal processes and shoreline 5.63 GSI Training Institute conducted 32 training
changes off Godavari delta– Visakhapatnam programmes including 1 Orientation Course for
sector, Andhra Pradesh was carried out. Geologists, 6 Basic Courses, 8 Refresher Courses, 4
Advanced Courses, 5 Workshops, 5 Courses related
Glaciological Studies to Digital Techniques, 2 ISRO sponsored programmes
5.59 Detailed glaciological studies on Hamtah glacier, and 1 AEG sponsored programme. All the programmes
Lahaul-Spiti district, H.P and study of recession pattern were successfully completed.
of glaciers in Bhaga basin, Lahual and Spiti Districts, Dissemination of Information
H.P (on expedition basis) is in progress for monitoring
the recessional pattern of glaciers in different 5.64 GSI Enterprise Information Portal went live in
orientations. the Internet (http://www.portal.gsi.gov.in) and can be
accessed by any user. It envisages providing real time
5.60 Palaeo-glaciation studies and dating the advance/ data to various stakeholders and users, including
retreat events in parts of Satluj valley, Kinnaur Dist,
entrepreneurs, academicians and common public.
HP, reveals that at several places, the lateral moraines
of the glaciers extend right up to the Satluj valley. 5.65 GSI net and enterprise portal help GSI automate
its business processes and facilitate management of
Antarctica studies
vast volume of geoscientific data gathered over last
5.61 Since the very first expedition in 1981, 156 years by way of a centralized digital archive and
Geological Survey of India (GSI) has contributed treat these as corporate resource with well-defined
significantly in the scientific and logistic aspects of access protocol.

Ministry of Mines 30
 Geological Survey of India
5.66 LAN has been completed in Operational Unit arsenic toxicity in ground water in parts of Nadia
offices of ER (Patna, Bhuvaneswar, Sikkim), WR district, West Bengal has established the occurrence
(Gandhinagar) and NER (Guwahati, Itanagar, Agartala of Pleistocene “orange sand” in the depth range of 40
and Dimapur). At Shillong, LANs in 3 buildings viz. to 50m, which is found to yield arsenic free ground
Zorem, Motinagar and Kumud Villa have been water. This will solve to a large extent the problem of
completed; however inter-building connectivity will getting arsenic free waters for domestic use for the
be completed along with the WAN. All these networks people residing in the east of the Ganges in West
require to be maintained on a day-to-day basis for Bengal.
sustained connectivity.
5.75 In the research of meteorites, study of the
5.67 GSI website (www.gsi.gov.in) continued to primitive Ca-Al inclusions (CAI) in un-metamorphosed
disseminate up-to-date information on GSI activities. Indian chondrites, constrained the formation age of
chondrules within one million year. The work was in
5.68 Two hundred eighty two Geological Quadrangle
collaboration with PRL, Ahmedabad.
Map sheets have already been printed. Sixteen sheets
are under publication. 5.76 Petrogenesis of gold-copper mineralization in
Bhukia block, Banswara dist., Rajasthan reveals that
5.69 A total of 7,100 maps of archival value were
host rock for gold mineralization is keratophyre,
converted to digital mode for storage/retrieval.
amphibole /dolomitic marble, calc silicates and
5.70 A total of 20 publications were released which metabasics. The high angle shear zones have provided
included 16 priced and 4 un-priced newsletters from the conduits for the ore forming fluids and depositional
different regions. sites for the minerals. Au and Bi occur within lollingite
and arsenopyrite.
5.71 Revised Gravity Map of India (scale 1:2 Million)
has been published (a collaborative project GSI-NGRI- 5.77 Petrological and SEM-EDX studies on investigation
ONGC-SOI-OIL). for platinum group of elements (PGE) in Sittampundi
layered ultramafic complex of Tamil Nadu has established
Laboratory Studies, Research and Development
the presence and mode of occurrences of several PGE
5.72 Augmented by the up gradation and phases. Evaluation for the PGE mineralization in
establishment of state-of-the-art instrumental facilities Davangere district, Karnataka has helped to locate the
in the fields of Petrology, Geochronology and Isotope most favourable host rocks of PGE. Oxide phases
Geology, Palaeontology, Photogeology and Remote (magnetite-ilmenite) from chlorite schist yielded a total
Sensing, Geophysics, Mineral Physics, Analytical PGE of 1140ppb while chlorite gave 2767ppb.
Chemistry etc., research and developmental activities
5.78 Coal petrographic study reveals that the coal
continued to supplement the work in the various field
seams of Tendudol block of Singrauli Coalfield contain
investigations and activity domains in the Geological
low vitrinite, high exinite and moderate inertinite.
Survey of India.
These have potential for methane gas generation but
5.73 One of the most exciting discoveries by GSI is a have poor methane storage capacity. Three coal seams
rare fossil snake from the Lameta Formation of Kheda of Jalatap block in Talcher Coalfield are characterized
district, Gujarat. This well-preserved specimen, about by sub bituminous C to B coals with high vitrinite,
70 million years old, not only represents the oldest moderate exinite and low to moderate inertinite. These
snake in the world, but also enhances our knowledge are less potential in methane gas generation but have
on the origin and evolution of snake. Its occurrence in a high gas storage capacity.
association with sauropod dinosaurian eggs and
5.79 Coal Bed Methane study on samples of coal
hatchlings provides a unique evidence of predation
seams intersected at different bore holes in parts of
of Mesozoic snakes on dinosaur eggs.
Rajmahal-Birbhum Master Basin has indicated gas
5.74 Geo-remedial measures to mitigate the risk of content ranges from 0.8 cc/gm to 1.3 cc/gm.

31 Annual Report 2007-08

Geological Survey of India

5.80 Analyses of subsurface geological data coupled
MOU for Iron Ore Investigation in Arhidongri
with direct gas measurement to evaluate coal bed Area, Kanker Dist, Chattisgarh concluded between
methane potential in the Kapasdanga-Bharkata sector Central Region (CR) and Chhatishgarh Mineral
of Rajmahal-Birbhum Master Basin enabled to identify Development Corporation (CMDC).
a zone of higher gas concentration at depth range of
450 to 550m.
A MOU has been signed between GSI and NTPC
on Geological, Geotechnical mapping and
Sponsored Work Undertaken logging of boreholes and Laboratory studies for
5.81 GSI has augmented its efforts in securing a Super Thermal Power Project at Lara, Raigarh
number of sponsored projects and in this respect MOU district.
have been concluded/being concluded during the

MOU between GSI and Nuclear Power
period with several PSUs and Govt. agencies.
Corporation of India Ltd. (NPCIL) for gravity/
Important among these are:
Magnetic and resistivity surveys in Kakrapara

Draft MOU between GSI and National Water Projects, Gujarat has been concluded.
Development Agency (NWDA) for Geological
feasibility studies of Rajasthan-Sabarmati link
Collaborative research project between GSI and
canal project has been concluded. Benaras Hindu University on the study of
Palynoflora and Deecan Volcanic associated

The Memorandum of understanding (MOU) on sediments has been concluded through
digitization of Geological and Geomorphological Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Map on 1:2,50,000 scale of Krishna Basin have
been concluded between GSI and Inter State
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on
Water Resource and CAD department of Gravity/Magnetic Survey for ONGC in South
Government of Andhra Pradesh. Rajasthan- MP border, Tamil Nadu, entire UP and
parts of Bihar is in concluding stage with GSI.

MOU between GSI and IL & FS Ltd., New Delhi
has been concluded for time-to-time case specific
Some other areas like Geotechnical Surveys and
Geotechnical works in NER. promotional drilling for M/s CMPDIL following FS

MOU for evaluation of Granite in Karnataka has 2006-07 where GSI is involved in sponsored work
been concluded between GSI and National on continuing basis as a routine following the
Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM). accredited programme of the Dept.

An agreement with Coal India for Annual Coal 5.82 The Employment position in GSI as on
Stock Measurement through Survey work by GSI 31.12.2007 in respect of SC/ST/OBC/Women, out of
has been signed. total no. of employees is given in Table 5.2

Table 5.2
Employment of Personnel in GSI
Group Total Number SC ST OBC Women
of Employees

GROUP ‘A' 1526 162 42 39 93

GROUP ‘B'(Gaz,) 382 80 26 30 44

GROUP ‘B' (NG) 727 140 69 10 92

GROUP ‘C' 4644 967 431 205 393

GROUP ‘D' 2546 612 272 212 285

TOTAL 9825 1961 840 496 907

Ministry of Mines 32