GSI carried out sea bed mapping of 11,040 Sq Km

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) The Geological Survey of India (GSI) during 2003-04, 2004-05 and 2005-06 Geological has carried out sea-bed mapping of 11,040 sq km area along the coastline of the country, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

This includes 2190 sq km off the coast of Gujarat, Maharashtra (2710 sq km), Tamil Nadu (4405 sq km) and Orissa (1735 sq km), Mines Minister Sis Ram Ola said in a written reply.

He said during this period GSI has not collected samples for manganese nodules and hydrates.

Off shore areas would seem to hold good potential for mineral resources. However, it is difficult to assess economic viability of offshore mining at this stage which would depend on various factors including availability of suitable technology.

UNI