Walkathon to mark Geological Survey of India's 175 years

Bengaluru: The Geological Survey of India (GSI), one of the nation’s oldest scientific institutions, organised a walkathon on Sunday as part of its 175th anniversary. 

Themed around 'Geoscience for a Safe World', the event was aimed at highlighting the vital role of geosciences in public safety, environmental conservation, and sustainable development, according to GSI. 

GSI officials and their family members, students, geoscientists, general public and representatives from stakeholder organisations participated in the walkathon. 

The walkathon commenced from Gate No 4 of GSI’s Vasudha Bhawan, Kumaraswamy Layout, proceeded through Sarakki Signal and concluded at Gate No 5, GSI Vasudha Bhawan. 

Debkumar Bhattacharya, Deputy Director General and HoD, Remote Sensing and Aerial Surveys, emphasised the need for scientific outreach and public awareness on geoscience applications. 

C S Verma, Deputy Director General, Geophysical Division, highlighted GSI’s contributions to mineral exploration, geohazard assessments and geoscientific research. 

R Vijay Kumar, Deputy Director General, GSI, Karnataka and Goa, underscored GSI’s role in shaping India’s natural resource policies since its inception in 1851. He emphasised how geoscience plays a crucial role in infrastructure resilience, disaster risk mitigation, and sustainable urban planning, according to GSI.