HYDERABAD, AUGUST 22, 2025: A workshop on ‘Recent advances in Fundamental Geosciences’ was organised by the Geological Survey of India, Southern Region, on 22nd August 2025 at M. S. Krishnan Auditorium, Geological Survey of India Training Institute, Hyderabad. The workshop was inaugurated by Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, who graced the occasion as the Chief guest. Debkumar Bhattacharyya, ADG & HOD, GSI, SR, Dr. L.P. Singh, DyDG, SU: Telangana, S.N.Mahapatro, DyDG, SU: Andhra Pradesh, Dr. S. Ravi, DyDG & Head, Mission-V, GSITI, Hyderabad, K.V. Maruthi, DyDG & RMH-IV and Convener of the workshop, Dr. M.N.Praveen, DyDG & RMH-II and Shri Ajay Nirwan, DyDG & RMH-III were present on the occasion. The workshop also witnessed eminent speakers and dignitaries from various Govt organisations, academic institutions and geoscientists of GSI.
Addressing the gathering, the Director General, GSI, highlighted the immense significance of Fundamental Geosciences for promoting mineral exploration using modern insights of petrological studies, reducing carbon footprints through geological carbon storage and unravelling the paleo-environment through systematic paleontological studies. He stressed the need for research and innovation in petrological studies to accelerate the pace of critical minerals to cater for the growing demands of society. The DG, GSI, emphasised interdisciplinary research as the key to fostering advanced research in different facets of earth sciences. He thrusted upon the need of strengthening R&D activities in fundamental geosciences, which have wide-scale applications, even in the era of new age technology like AI & ML.
Speaking on the occasion, the ADG & HOD, SR, also focused on the pivotal role of fundamental geosciences for accelerating the pace of mineral exploration. He also highlighted the need for groundwater contamination studies and carbon sequestration for sustainable environmental management.
The publication on Extended Abstracts of Progress Reports for Field Season 2023-2024 of the Southern Region “GSI Records Volume 158 Pt-5” was released by the dignitaries and guests, which marked the end of the inaugural session.
The technical session started with a series of talks by eminent speakers having national and international repute who have enlightened the audience about the modern insights of petrological, environmental and paleontological studies. The technical session was followed by a panel discussion on “Geoscience for Sustainable Development and New Frontiers for Exploration”, which was moderated by Dr. Krishnapriya Basak, Director and Organising Secretary of the workshop. A plethora of issues on advancements in fundamental geosciences and new age technology were discussed. From the takeaways of the workshop, it emerged that the research and innovations in fundamental geosciences is crucial for addressing global challenges related to sustainability, climate change, and efficient resource management for the inclusive economic development of our society.
