<p><br />Geological Survey of India (Kolkata) Deputy Director General and Head Dr N R Ramesh has said that Geological Survey of India is procuring a research vessel worth Rs 500 crore shortly for undertaking seabed surveys and exploration of non-living resources. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of a national seminar on ‘Coastal environments and their management’ organised by the department of Marine Geology of Mangalore University here on Tuesday, he said that the vessel will have modern gadgets, state-of -the-art facilities, to make a study in deep water. It is being constructed in Korea and will be delivered within six months. The vessel is meant for undertaking geological, geophysical and geo-chemical mapping of the seabed. <br /><br />The data generated, will be useful for creating and updating the national database in the fields of earth science, oceanography and offshore mineral resources and exploitation of mineral resources embedded under the sea.<br /><br />He said that the GSI is carrying out geo chemical mapping in 5.7 lakh square kilometre area in the country. The mapping is an ongoing process. Initial studies have shown that there was high fluoride content in water at Kerala and high arsenic pollution in West Bengal and surrounding areas. <br /><br />Stating that the GSI is giving emphasis to the exploration of coal and lignite which are essential for energy sector, he said: “We are exploring the possibility of extension of coal reserves in Central and Eastern part of the country. We are also looking into inaccessible areas.” <br /><br />Karnataka has good potential for gold, platinum and palladium. It is also known for dimensional stones. As many as 135 varieties of dimensional stones are found in the State. <br /><br />He also said that GSI in association with ISRO is taking up geo morphology survey. It mainly deals with ground water studies. <br /><br />India will be hosting International Geological Congress 2020 at New Delhi. The preparations for the same has already begun and around 10,000 delegates from across the world will take part in it. <br /><br />Earlier, inaugurating the seminar, Ministry of Earth Sciences Adviser and Scientist Dr M Sudhakar said that in the name of development, intensive activities have taken place, thus damaging the environment around us. “Our actions have to be controlled to preserve earth for future generation. <br /><br />Human activities along the coast should be reduced for sustainable development,” he said. The government of India is investing a huge amount for Geographic Information System (GIS) software in the 12th five year plan. <br /><br />Stating that 21st century is the century of earth science, he said that with increase in industrialisation, we have failed in respecting panchabhootha elements. Earth science has integration of all sciences. <br /><br />Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof T C Shivashankaramurthy lamented that students are not showing keen interest in basic sceinces. The enrolment ratio in the department of marine geology is poor in all the four universities in Karnataka. More students should take up research in marine geology. <br /><br />Registrar Prof P S Yadapadithaya, Convener Dr K S Jayappa and Chairman Dr Shivanna was present.<br /><br /></p>
<p><br />Geological Survey of India (Kolkata) Deputy Director General and Head Dr N R Ramesh has said that Geological Survey of India is procuring a research vessel worth Rs 500 crore shortly for undertaking seabed surveys and exploration of non-living resources. <br /><br /></p>.<p>Speaking to presspersons on the sidelines of a national seminar on ‘Coastal environments and their management’ organised by the department of Marine Geology of Mangalore University here on Tuesday, he said that the vessel will have modern gadgets, state-of -the-art facilities, to make a study in deep water. It is being constructed in Korea and will be delivered within six months. The vessel is meant for undertaking geological, geophysical and geo-chemical mapping of the seabed. <br /><br />The data generated, will be useful for creating and updating the national database in the fields of earth science, oceanography and offshore mineral resources and exploitation of mineral resources embedded under the sea.<br /><br />He said that the GSI is carrying out geo chemical mapping in 5.7 lakh square kilometre area in the country. The mapping is an ongoing process. Initial studies have shown that there was high fluoride content in water at Kerala and high arsenic pollution in West Bengal and surrounding areas. <br /><br />Stating that the GSI is giving emphasis to the exploration of coal and lignite which are essential for energy sector, he said: “We are exploring the possibility of extension of coal reserves in Central and Eastern part of the country. We are also looking into inaccessible areas.” <br /><br />Karnataka has good potential for gold, platinum and palladium. It is also known for dimensional stones. As many as 135 varieties of dimensional stones are found in the State. <br /><br />He also said that GSI in association with ISRO is taking up geo morphology survey. It mainly deals with ground water studies. <br /><br />India will be hosting International Geological Congress 2020 at New Delhi. The preparations for the same has already begun and around 10,000 delegates from across the world will take part in it. <br /><br />Earlier, inaugurating the seminar, Ministry of Earth Sciences Adviser and Scientist Dr M Sudhakar said that in the name of development, intensive activities have taken place, thus damaging the environment around us. “Our actions have to be controlled to preserve earth for future generation. <br /><br />Human activities along the coast should be reduced for sustainable development,” he said. The government of India is investing a huge amount for Geographic Information System (GIS) software in the 12th five year plan. <br /><br />Stating that 21st century is the century of earth science, he said that with increase in industrialisation, we have failed in respecting panchabhootha elements. Earth science has integration of all sciences. <br /><br />Mangalore University Vice-Chancellor Prof T C Shivashankaramurthy lamented that students are not showing keen interest in basic sceinces. The enrolment ratio in the department of marine geology is poor in all the four universities in Karnataka. More students should take up research in marine geology. <br /><br />Registrar Prof P S Yadapadithaya, Convener Dr K S Jayappa and Chairman Dr Shivanna was present.<br /><br /></p>
