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Shri Asit Saha takes over charge of the Director General of Geological Survey of India
Kolkata, 27th July 2024:
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is pleased to announce that Shri Asit Saha has taken over as the new Director General. Shri Saha brings with him a wealth of experience and a visionary approach to steer GSI towards greater achievements in the field of geosciences.
With a distinguished career spanning three decades, Shri Saha has been instrumental in numerous groundbreaking projects and initiatives that have significantly contributed to the geoscientific landscape of India. His leadership is expected to further elevate the GSI’s mission of mineral exploration, research, and development, and fortify its position as a leading geoscientific organization on the global stage.
Upon assuming charge, Shri Saha emphasized the importance of an outcome-oriented approach for all GSI activities. He stressed that while the primary focus would be on mineral exploration and related programs, all missions of GSI are holistically connected and equally important. Shri Saha highlighted the need for bold initiatives in mineral exploration, efficiency in drilling operations, and robust laboratory mechanisms to ensure the reliability of geoscientific data.
In his address to the GSI employees, Shri Saha called for a united effort where every mission should work in tandem. He underscored the significance of synergy between different missions, particularly those with critical geophysical components, and the necessity for regular, structured interactions between various streams to enhance overall efficiency and productivity.
Shri Saha also articulated his vision for strengthening GSI’s academic presence through peer-reviewed publications and the elevation of the training institute to a National Institute of Geoscience.
He stressed that the programs of GSI need to be in close consonance with the priorities of the Government of India. In alignment with the Government of India’s initiative to establish a Critical Mineral Mission, GSI has directed its activities towards the exploration and development of critical minerals essential for the country’s strategic and economic interests paving the way for a self-reliant Aatma Nirbhar Bharat. Additionally, GSI is intensifying its efforts in marine exploration to unlock the vast potential of underwater resources.
Expressing his admiration for the young and energetic officers of GSI, Shri Saha urged Supervisory Officers, Deputy Director Generals, and Additional Director Generals to lead by example, showing the way and working alongside their teams.
Shri Saha is confident that with the available resources, both human and instrumental, GSI is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the nation’s economy and society at large. He looks forward to achieving great milestones together with the dedicated team at GSI.
The Geological Survey of India, established in 1851, has a rich legacy of 174 years in pioneering geoscientific research and exploration. Under the leadership of Shri Asit Saha, GSI is poised to continue its tradition of excellence and contribute to the advancement of geosciences in India, and the overall well-being of our citizens.
About the Geological Survey of India
The Geological Survey of India (GSI) was set up in 1851 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. Its main functions relate to creating and updating 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, seismo-tectonic study and carrying out fundamental research.
GSI’s chief role includes providing objective, impartial, and up-to-date geological expertise and geoscientific information of all kinds, with a focus on policy-making decisions, and commercial and socio-economic needs. GSI also emphasises systematic documentation of all geological processes both surface and subsurface, of India and its offshore areas. The organisation carries out this work through geological, geophysical, & geochemical surveys using the latest does so by using the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies.
GSI’s core competence in survey and mapping is continuously enhanced through the accretion, management, coordination, and utilization of spatial databases (including those acquired through remote sensing). It functions as a ‘Repository’ for the purpose and uses the latest computer-based technologies for the dissemination of geoscientific information and spatial data, through cooperation and collaboration with other stakeholders in the Geo-informatics sector.
GSI, headquartered in Kolkata, has six regional offices located in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Kolkata, and state unit offices in almost all states of the country. GSI is an attached office to the Ministry of Mines
