The Indian Navy has been making headlines lately after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Geological Survey of India (GSI). This agreement enables the sharing of seabed sediments data, products, and expertise for their application in meteorology and oceanography. The primary beneficiaries of this initiative will be the rapidly growing blue water fleet of the country’s navy, which will utilize the data for reliable and accurate oceanographic modelling.
About the Partnership
GSI’s Marine and Coastal Survey Division, the body responsible for mapping most of India’s Exclusive Economic Zone has stored in its vast repository an abundance of offshore data collected using state-of-the-art oceanic research vessels – Samudra Manthan, Samudra Kaustubh, Samudra Shaudhikama, and Samudra Ratnakar. This data will support the navy’s maritime operations in the Indian Ocean region to carry out its activities more efficiently and effectively.
Understanding the Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Established in 1851 to primarily find coal deposits for the Railways, the Geological Survey of India has remarkably grown over the years and is currently internationally recognised as a geo-scientific organisation. Today, GSI stands as not only a repository of geo-science information required in various fields in the country, but also a part of the international geoscientific community. Its main functions include creation and updation of national geo-scientific information and mineral resource assessment.
| Headquarters | Regional Offices | Every State Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Kolkata | Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, Kolkata | Yes |
GSI’s Association with the Ministry of Mines
The Geological Survey of India is currently operating as an attached office under the Ministry of Mines. Through the ministry, GSI continues to contribute to the nation’s development by facilitating the collection of data on geological structures, mineral resources, and by assisting in the identification of potential areas for mineral search.
