New Delhi, 12 November 2014: 4th meeting of Geo-science Advisory Council (GAC) was held under the Chairmanship of Union Steel and Mines Minister and Chairman, GAC Narendra Singh Tomar at Vigyan Bhawan today.
In his inaugural address, Tomar said, “India has about 8 lakh square kilometer area identified as Obvious Geological Potential (OGP). However, the geophysical and geochemical mapping has been achieved only to a limited extent. Since the field of mining is directly linked to country’s growth, we must develop a time-bound action plan to complete geo-physical and geo-chemical mapping of our national resources and share this data in public domain to attract investment in mining. Emphasis of action plan should be on speed and quality. GAC with its expertise and experience, should recommend solutions to fast-track the exploration activity in the country so that this resource base in utilized in the best possible manner.” He further observed that GAC’s recommendations should contain specific actionable points. Government is committed to provide every possible assistance in this effort, be it in terms of policy, personnel, technology or budget, he added.
The Union Minister of State for Steel and Mines, Vishnu Deo Sai exhorted the council members to infuse new energy in geo-science field and to enable Research & Development of international standards.
The Secretary, Ministry of Mines and Vice Chairman of GAC, Anup Kumar Pujari, senior government officers and members of GAC, drawn from various central ministries, scientific institutions including Geological Survey of India attended the meeting.
GAC provides a platform to the Administrators, Earth Scientists and academicians to deliberate and suggest the gap areas in existing system of pursuing geoscience and the direction which organizations, individually and collectively, should pursue to meet the future challenges.
