The Geological Survey of India (GSI), under the Ministry of Mines, has successfully concluded its Field Season (FS) 2025–26, marking a year of notable achievements in mineral exploration, critical resource assessment, technological advancement, and geohazard mitigation. The year assumes added significance as GSI commemorates 175 years of its distinguished service to the nation, reaffirming its pivotal role in advancing the objectives of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047 through strengthened geoscientific capabilities.

During FS 2025–26, GSI significantly intensified its efforts towards ensuring mineral security and supporting the clean energy transition. A total of 458 mineral exploration projects were undertaken during the year, including 230 projects focused on critical minerals, of which 92 targeted rare earth elements essential for advanced technologies. In continuation of its mandate to generate auction-ready mineral blocks, GSI handed over 80 Geological Reports (48 at G2/G3 level and 32 at G4/GM level), including 39 pertaining to critical minerals for auctioning. Further, 4 coal blocks and 11 Exploration Licence blocks were also handed over for development, while 7 Regional Mineral Targeting blocks and 15 G3 blocks in Siwana, Rajasthan were offered to the National Mineral Exploration Trust for exploration through private agencies, thereby promoting greater private sector participation. In a landmark development during the year, GSI also reported the discovery of naturally occurring hydrogen in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands, placing India on the global map of emerging clean energy resources.

GSI also made substantial progress in strengthening the national geoscientific database through baseline and thematic surveys. Large-scale mapping was carried out over 22,000 sq. km at 1:12,500 or higher scale, while geochemical surveys covered 28,000 sq. km in the Deccan Traps. Ground geophysical surveys were conducted over approximately 3.8 lakh sq. km and airborne geophysical surveys over 95000 sq. km, significantly enhancing mineral prospectivity assessment and resource targeting.

On the technological front, GSI continued to adopt modern and innovative tools to improve exploration efficiency and data integration. Drone-based magnetic surveys were launched in Rajasthan and Odisha, marking a significant step towards advanced exploration methodologies. GSI teams also received national recognition at the India AI Hackathon 2025 for developing AI-based mineral targeting models. The National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) was further strengthened, hosting over 18,000 reports with approximately 9,000 monthly downloads, and its integration with the Bhoonidhi platform has enhanced accessibility to geoscientific and satellite data. Progress was also made in the development of a National Geoscience Hub in Bengaluru and the rollout of the Next Generation GSI Portal, enabling improved data dissemination and decision support.

In the domain of geohazards and infrastructure support, GSI expanded the reach of its National Landslide Forecasting Centre (NLFC), increasing its coverage from 16 districts in 6 States to 21 districts across 8 States. Real-time landslide early warning bulletins were disseminated through digital platforms such as the Bhusanket Portal and the Bhooskhalan mobile application. International collaboration with CNR-IRPI, Italy further strengthened India’s capabilities in landslide forecasting and risk mitigation. GSI also provided critical geotechnical inputs for national infrastructure development, including appraisal of 8 Pumped Storage Projects with a cumulative capacity of 10,200 MW, while 17 additional projects (26 GW) are under examination. A total of 28 geotechnical investigations were carried out for projects related to hydropower, roads, railways, and water resources, along with technical evaluation of DPRs for major infrastructure projects across various regions. Institutional collaborations with agencies such as NHAI and MoRTH have further reinforced GSI’s role in supporting national infrastructure.

GSI also continued its efforts in geoheritage conservation and scientific knowledge dissemination. Seven geoheritage sites from India were included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List in August 2025, reflecting sustained efforts towards documentation and conservation. In addition, steps were initiated for declaration of six more geoheritage sites of national importance. The GSI Training Institute achieved NABET accreditation with a “उत्कृष्ट” (Very Good-Utkristh) rating, and a series of national and international seminars, workshops, and outreach programmes were conducted, including a major international seminar commemorating 175 years of GSI.

GSI has strengthened its collaborative ecosystem through strategic partnerships with leading international organisations such as the British Geological Survey and Geoscience Australia, particularly in the domain of critical minerals. At the national level, it is actively working with premier institutions including IIT Bombay and IIT Kharagpur on advanced geoscientific research, while also reinforcing downstream linkages through collaborations with IMMT Bhubaneswar for beneficiation studies and innovation platforms such as TEXMiN at IIT (ISM) Dhanbad to promote technology development across the mineral & mining value chain.

Looking ahead to Field Season 2026–27, GSI has outlined an ambitious and forward-looking programme aimed at further strengthening mineral exploration and geoscientific research. The organisation plans to undertake approximately 500 mineral exploration projects, including around 300 focused on critical and strategic minerals, reflecting a substantial increase of about 30% in critical mineral projects over the previous field season. Emphasis will be placed on seamless progression from reconnaissance to G2 level to expedite the generation of auction-ready mineral blocks. The implementation of the Comprehensive Field Season Programme Guidelines 2026 will rationalise the programme cycle to an April–March schedule and introduce fast-track mechanisms for critical and national priority projects. In addition, 58 projects under Geoinformatics and Data Analysis are planned to enhance data integration, AI/ML-based modelling, and geospatial analytics through platforms such as NGDR and the Next Generation Portal. Multidisciplinary geoscience initiatives will address geogenic hazards and environmental challenges, while research programmes will focus on metallogenic studies and characterisation of critical minerals across diverse geological domains. GSI also plans to undertake focused interventions in strategically important border areas, with around 50 projects across its missions.

With a legacy of 175 years and a renewed focus on technology, innovation, and national priorities, the Geological Survey of India continues to play a crucial role in supporting the country’s mineral security, infrastructure development, disaster resilience, and sustainable growth, reaffirming its commitment to serve as the geological backbone of a self-reliant and resource-secure India.

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Prajith Kumar MV

 

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