HYDERABAD, MARCH 04, 2026: The Geological Survey of India (GSI), a premier Geoscientific organization established on 4th March 1851, celebrated its 176th Foundation Day at the Southern Region Headquarters Office, Bandlaguda–Nagole, Hyderabad. The GSI is the second-oldest Geological Survey organization in the world and played a pivotal role in the nation’s development.
The celebration commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mr M. Sridhar, Former Director General, GSI. Mr Vijay V. Mugal, Additional Director General and HoD, GSI, Southern Region. Deputy Directors General of the State Units of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, along with Regional Mission Heads of the Southern Region, graced the occasion. The gracious presence of retired senior officers and staff infused the celebration with a profound sense of nostalgia and pride. Their participation symbolised the enduring legacy and lifelong commitment that have shaped GSI’s remarkable journey. Dignitaries from other government organisations, including Mr A.R.Mukundhan, Regional Director, Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD), Dr. Biswajit Mondal, Chief Scientist, National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Mr Jyothi Kumar N, Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) and Dr. Divya BVSS, SMO, Central Govt. Health Scheme ( CGHS) were also present, along with officers and staff of the Southern Region and State Units of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Mr S. N. Mahapatro, DDG, State Unit: Andhra Pradesh, graciously welcomed the distinguished dignitaries and conveyed his warm greetings to the august gathering. In his address, he paid heartfelt tribute to the pioneers of the Geological Survey of India, reflecting on the organisation’s formative years and its enduring contributions to nation-building.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Vijay V. Mugal, ADG & HoD, highlighted the remarkable achievements of GSI, particularly its recent advancements in geoscientific studies and mineral investigations, while emphasising the importance of preserving and strengthening its rich legacy. He noted that this significant milestone not only celebrates GSI’s distinguished geological heritage but also reaffirms its unwavering commitment to advancing geoscientific research, mineral exploration, and technological innovation for the nation’s sustained progress. He further underscored the pivotal role of GSI, especially the Southern Region, in accelerating the exploration of critical and deep-seated minerals to meet the growing demands of the country.
Mr M. Sridhar, Former Director General and Chief Guest, extended his warm greetings and best wishes on the occasion. In his address, he reflected on the remarkable evolution of GSI, from its foundational role in the discovery of coal for railways in 1851 to its present stature as a leader in cutting-edge geoscientific innovation. He emphasized the need to strengthen public-good geosciences and marine geological studies, alongside maintaining a strong thrust on systematic mineral exploration activities.
The distinguished retired dignitaries of GSI were felicitated by Mr Vijay V. Mugal, ADG & HoD, in appreciation of their exemplary service and significant contributions toward nation-building. As part of the celebrations, mineral, rock, ore, and fossil specimens were showcased at the Dr. William King Geological Museum for schoolchildren to foster scientific awareness and nurture curiosity in geoscience at the grassroots level.
A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Dipak Hazra, Deputy Director General and Regional Mission Head-I, SR, marking the successful culmination of the celebration.
The event concluded with the release of 176 tricolour balloons symbolising GSI’s glorious 176 years of service to the nation, followed by the rendition of the National Anthem in unison.
Early Warning Systems (LEWS) in all the landslide-prone States/ UTs in India within a planned timeline to reduce landslide risks in India.
Since its inception, GSI has rendered exemplary service to the nation. As the world’s second-oldest geoscientific organisation, it has played a pivotal role not only in supporting mineral-based industries but also in advancing disaster management and mitigation efforts across India. In alignment with national priorities, GSI has strengthened its focus on exploring critical minerals to promote self-reliance in green energy and contribute to the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047. Leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), the organisation continues to accelerate the pace of mineral exploration and geoscientific investigations.
