HYDERABAD, FEBRUARY 28, 2024: The Geological Survey of India (GSI), State Unit: Telangana, Southern Region, Hyderabad, organised a one-day workshop on the utility of NGCM and other geoscience data available in the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) portal & Emerging Technologies at Dr. MCRHRD Institute, Hyderabad, Wednesday.
The workshop was conducted with the core theme “Unlocking the potential of Geoscience data for public Good”. The main objective of the workshop was to showcase the vast amount of data generated by GSI and disseminate information regarding the availability of extensive data in the NGDR portal so that various stakeholders can utilize the data in different fields such as mineral exploration, agriculture, health hazards and environmental management etc.
GSI has been relentlessly generating and updating geological, geochemical, and geophysical baseline data through various pan India flagship programmes like National Geochemical Mapping (NGCM), National Geophysical Mapping (NGPM), and National Aero-geophysical Mapping to accelerate the pace of exploration ecosystem of our country.
The workshop was inaugurated by Mr Benhur Mahesh Dutt Ekka, Prinicipal Secretary, Mines and Geology, Govt. of Telangana in the gracious presence of Mr Ch. Venkateswara Rao, ADG & HOD, GSI, Southern Region and Dr. Lalan Prasad Singh, Dy. DG, GSI, State Unit: Telangana.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Ekka emphasized about the wider significance of NGCM data of GSI which can be utilized for mineral exploration, geo-environmental studies, fundamental earth science studies & health hazards etc. He cherished that the NGDR platform will serve as a stepping stone for promoting the mineral exploration of India. Furthermore, it will also aid policymakers in addressing concerns related to sustainable development for our nation.
Addressing to the august gathering, Mr Ch. Venkateswara Rao, ADG & HOD, GSI, SR informed all stakeholders to utilize the freely available geoscience data from the recently launched NGDR portal and to make best use of these geoscientific data to cater their needs in different fields. During the inaugural speech of the workshop, Dr. Lalan Prasad Singh, Dy. DG, State Unit: Telangana, emphasized the availability of NGCM data for Telangana state on the NGDR portal and underscored the significance of geoscience data generated by GSI.
He also highlighted the importance of new age technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) techniques in evaluating data and producing outputs. The workshop was attended by representatives from central and state government organizations, academia, PSUs, private exploration agencies and GSI scientists. The workshop witnessed delegates, representing various sectors such as health, agriculture, forest and groundwater as well. The event concluded with panel discussions, interactive sessions among various agencies and private stake holders. The workshop not only showcased the commitment of GSI for creating conducive ecosystem for exploration but also set the stage for a collaborative and tech-driven future in different fields like mineral exploration, urban planning and environmental management for sustainable development of our nation.
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