GSI proposed Ministry of Earth Science and Commission

Shillong, Jul 5 (UNI) The Geological Survey of India under the Ministry of Mines urged the Congress-led UPA government to include the GSI in the proposed Ministry of Earth Sciences and the Earth Commission.

In a memorandum to President A P J Abdul Kalam, Dr A Absar, senior geologist, GSI and vice-president of the GSI Scientific Officers Association, Shillong, called for such inclusion as the GSI had been dealing with all the aspects of Earth Sciences since the year 1851.

At present the GSI prepares and updates geological, geophysical and geochemical maps of the country, maintains an earth science data base and examines geological and natural hazards.

The memorandum urged the President to constitute an Expert Committee consisting of eminent scientists regarding the matter.

Copies of the letter had also been sent to the Prime Minister, Minister of Mines, Minister of Science and Technology, DG, CSIR, Chairman, AEC.

The Union Cabinet on May 9 last approved the creation of the Ministry of Earth Sciences by reorganising the Ministry of Ocean Development and bringing some research institutions such as the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) under the new Ministry.

The Union Cabinet had also approved the creation of an Earth Commission.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences will be formed to enable an integrated approach to issues concerning water, global climatic changes, environment, meterology, seismology and related earth sciences.

The Earth Commission will help implement various policies concerning earth sciences and ensure necessary inter-disciplinary interactions and integrations.

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