|
Convener
of Major Events & Activities |
| |
|
|
Actively
involved in organization of the events of Silver Jubilee
Celebrations & Seminar (1975) and those of the Alumni
Association (1983-1989).
Convener:
National seminar on "Environmental Impact Assessment of
Small-Scale Mineral Resource Utilization" October 1995;
also brought out the pre-seminar volume of papers entitled
"ENVIRONMENTAL PERSPECTIVE OF SMALL-SCALE MINERAL RESOURCE
UTILIZATION"
Coordinator:
Entrepreneurship Awareness Camp (EAC) on “Mineral
Resource Utilization”, sponsored by the Department of
Science & Technology, Government of India, New Delhi,
March 1995.
Coordinator:
Skill Development Training Program (SDTP) on “Mineral
Resource Utilization”, sponsored by the Department of
Science & Technology, Government of India, New Delhi,
01 May-14 June 1997.
Coordinator:,
Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) of the
Department of Science & Technology, Government of India.
Since May 1998.
Coordinator:
Entrepreneurship Development Program EDP-98 "Entrepreneurship
& Computer Application in Mineral Sector" sponsored
Department of Science & Technology, Government of India,
New Delhi & IDBI; organized during the period November
17, 1998 through December 26, 1998.
Coordinator:
EAC-99A "Marble Based Entrepreneurship" sponsored
by Department of Science & Technology, GoI & NABARD,
23trd March 1999 through 27th March
1999.
Coordinator:
Entrepreneurship Awareness Camp (EAC) organized
in the Bhogilal Pandya Government College, Dungarpur, during
the period 27th through 29th October
1999. Sponsored by the Department of Science & Technology,
Government of India, New Delhi. Coordinator:
of the 4 - week Entrepreneurship Development Program (EDP) on “Computer Designing and Screen-Printing” for women candidates,
organized during the period 17th May through 22nd
June 2000. Department of Science & Technology, Government
of India & Department of Science & Technology, Government
of Rajasthan, sponsored it. Three Follow-up meetings of the
EDP participants were held on 29th November 2000,
25th February 2001, and 25th March 2001
that were attended by Project Officers of DST, Jaipur and
Udaipur.
Coordinator:
EAC-2k1 on “Rural & Non-Conventional Energy Sector”,
sponsored by Rajasthan Energy Development Agency, Jaipur.
(REDA) and organized at CTAE on 13th
August 2001. Coordinator:
of the six-week Technology based Entrepreneurship Development
Program (TEDP) on “Computer Graphics, Designing
and Art work” was organized during the period 15th
October 2001 through 24th November 2001. Department
of Science & Technology, Government of India has sponsored
the program.
Coordinator:
of the four-week Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development
Program TEDP on "Internet, Web Development, &
E-Commerce" sponsored by Department of Science & Technology,
Government of India was organized during the period
May 13, through June 08, 2002.
Coordinator:
Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Program TEDP “Mineral & Ground Water Exploration & Consultancy sponsored
by DST, GoI, organized during the period February 11
through March 22, 2002. Coordinator: Technology Based Entrepreneurship Development Program TEDP “Environmental Monitoring and Analysis for Technical Consultancy”
sponsored by DST, GoI proposed to be organized in June
2003.
Convener:
12th Indian Geological Congress and National seminar
on Ground Water Resources, organized during the period 8th
through 12th February 2000. Convener's Report:
Notes 12th Indian Geological Congress, Udaipur,
Rajasthan, Journal of the Geological Society of India,
vol. 56, no. 1, pp. 103-104. 2000. Convener's Report:
12th Indian Geological Congress, Udaipur, Rajasthan,
Current Science, vol. 79 (3), pp. 270-271. 2000.
Convener:
The Golden Jubilee Events and the Seminar on “Development
of Geology and Mineral Resource in India–Vision 2010”, organized
during the period 15th - 16th November
2000.
XII-Indian
Geological Congress: Welcome Address + Report |
|
XII
Indian Geological Congress
8th February 2000
|
Welcome
Address of Convener- XII IGC & Head of the University
Department of Geology, Udaipur
Shri B. C. Bora, President IGC & Chairman ONGC, Prof.
A. K. Singh, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ram S. Sharma,
guests and distinguished participants of the IGC.
It
is my proud privilege to welcome you to this convention of
earth scientists in the historic city of Udaipur and on the
momentous occasion of the on set of 21st Century.
This year is additionally joyous because we are celebrating
the Golden Jubilee year of founding of our state of Rajasthan,
and we are entering the golden jubilee year of establishment
of our Department.
Objectives of the Congress and related matters will be dealt
by my senior colleagues, therefore without being repetitive,
I shall at the on set, concisely, introduce the host institution.
This Department was founded in June 1950 as the first post-graduate
science department in Rajputana. Prof. G. S. MAHAJANI, Vice
Chancellor of the then Rajputana University (University
of Rajasthan since 1957) wrote in our Silver Jubilee Souvenir:
"Priority considerations dictated that we should begin with
Geology...Udaipur with its proximity to Aravalli range was
chosen for its location. We were fortunate in securing in
Dr. K. P. Rode a competent first incumbent". Founder Prof.
Rode recalled "Udaipur was happily chosen for Geology as Mewar
then was the center of mining industry with vast mineral potential
in Rajasthan and on this very account the Rajasthan Government
also chose Udaipur to locate its Department of Mines &
Geology." The newly founded Department was started in the
then Maharana Bhopal Government College; the Department shifted
to its present premises in October 1962. In the same year
was added a one-year post-M. Sc. course of M. Sc. Tech., Applied
Geology. This course became very popular amongst students
because it offered them opportunity of extensive field training
at an operative mine and trained them to be competent exploration
geologists.
The Department was founded with the objective of commencing
research in geology for the state of Rajasthan in particular
and that of India in general. Soon thereafter, the Department
was assigned additional duty of providing trained geologists
for the projected demand for the soon-to-be founded Republic
of India. The first batch of M. Sc. degree holders graduated
from this Department in 1953.
Fifty-year
period is the right time to make an assessment of the impact
made by an institution and to review what we have achieved
and where have we failed.
A "quick-scan" of research contribution of the Department
during the past five decades shows that this institution has
made significant contribution, of high impact value, in several
branches of geology. Prof. Rode's training with Prof. Paul
Niggli (Zurich), one of the greatest geologists of the past
century resulted in his developing petrology, mineralogy,
and petrochemistry in the new department. He set out to develop
infrastructure facilities for these branches. Consequently,
latest equipment were procured viz. Philips X-ray diffractometer,
Leitz polarizing microscopes, 5-axis universal stages, Dollar's
integrating stage, Frantz isodynamic separator, Leitz PANPHOT
universal research microscope, refractometer etc. Petrochemical,
section-cutting and photomicrographic and photographic facilities
of high quality were set up in an independent building of
the department. An excellent library was also obvious requirement
having books, and important foreign and Indian journals. Publication
of "Rajasthan University Studies in Science - Geology Section"
was started that enabled us to establish free exchange of
publications with many foreign institutions. Over the five
decades the library grew to its present status having 5809
books, 30 subscribed journals, 9 magazines and 11 newspapers.
Dozens of CDs and Internet connection have made it favorite
with students and research scholars. An educative museum was
also set up which has kept growing through the collection
of faculty, research scholars, and augmented by samples brought
by students during their field training programs. In this
"work-friendly" infrastructure the Department set out to attract
researchers from all corners of the country.
Achieving
this, Prof. Rode concurrently commenced research work in the
field of petrology-mineralogy of pegmatites of Mewar and complicated
suite of Mudwara Igneous Complex. At the same time study of
Gondwana Formations and sedimentologic study of Aravalli Formations
of Udaipur Valley were also taken up. Personally, Prof. Rode
set out to develop his theory of "Sheet Movement". Prof. Rode
provided the right leadership in identification, development
and implementation of the objectives of the Department. He
enthused the faculty to achieve those objectives. Faculty
members and technician were sent out to be trained in the
aspects that needed to be developed in the Department. Prof.
Rode's understanding of Global stratigraphic correlation was
highly appreciated (he was Vice President of Gondwana Commission
during the 19th International Geological Congress, Algiers,
1952; and the 20th International Geological Congress, Mexico,
1956). But his theory of continental expansion through "Sheet
Movement" did not gain acceptance.
The
guiding principle of research in our department can be summed
up in the words of late Prof. M. W. Chaudhari: "One approach
to research is to collect data and fit it into a model currently
in fashion. This type of work undoubtedly has its utility;
the data so collected have their own importance even if the
model changes. Another approach needs to be pursued is to
undertake work of lasting value to science and society" Faculty
of the Department followed both the paths to keep itself with
the "current trend" and "lasting value & rationality"
courses. The desired research out-put, during the formative
years, took back seat because of demand for trained geologists
in the country. Prof. Rode therefore set out to develop courses
suitable for the contemporary needs. Requisite laboratory
and field training facilities were developed. The research
activity again gained momentum in late 1960s when certain
degree of employment saturation had set in. Petrologic and
mineralogic studies of certain unclassified rocks of Banded
Gneissic Complex of Central Rajasthan were taken up which
resulted in detailed petrochemical studies of charnockite,
migmatite, amphibolite, mylonite etc. Concurrently, works
commenced on the study of base metal and industrial mineral
deposits. The well-published hydrothermal concept of lead
zinc mineralization at Zawar was challenged by the synsedimentary
concept of mineralization. Commercial viability of fluorspar
deposits of Mando-Ki-Pal was challenged although the project
had been favorably cleared by foreign consultants for commercial
production. Host rock petrology, structural, environmental,
and genetic studies of several mineral deposits were completed,
namely, those of base metals, radioactive minerals, scheelite,
asbestos, barite, fluorspar, pegmatite, rock phosphate, talc.
Despite not being favorably located for the subject, but essentially
because of faculty specialization, research activity was also
taken up in fields of invertebrate paleontology, specially
for the bivalves of Kachchh and Saurashtra: and in micropaleontology
for the ostracodes of Kachchh, Saurashtra, South India, Meghalaya
and Assam. In these studies several new species and genera
have been described and reported.
One aspect of Geology of Rajasthan that had been attracting
the attention of earth scientist was the complex structural
episodic history of the rocks of Rajasthan. Consequently,
detailed structural studies of Aravalli and Banded Gneissic
Complex were undertaken in the Department following which
the complex structural, tectonic, and Precambrian stratigraphy
of Rajasthan is now clearly understood, specially the Basement-Cover
relationship. An evolutionary model for the Paleoproterozoic
Aravalli Supergroup has been prepared based on detailed tectono-stratigraphic
studies of rocks of Rajasthan.
The
petrochemical laboratory of 1950s was upgraded in view of
rapid progress made in instrumentation and techniques
during late 1960s. These developments resulted in generation
of considerable amount of petrochemical data for the rocks
of central and southern Rajasthan. Geostatistical evaluation
of the geochemical data was logical follow up action. Metamorphic
aspects of the Precambrian Formations were also studied..Pyroclastic
and flow rocks of western Rajasthan also received attention
they deserved. In view of the changing priorities the Department
made significant contribution in the field of Applied Geology
specially the utilitarian aspects of mineral deposits-their
petrologic, structural, granulometric, and fluid inclusion
studies. The Department also started work in field of Environmental
Geology. Unfortunately, this aspect was taken up by lot many
agencies in the country, with the result this aspect started
loosing rationality because of one-up-manship-attitude. Through
the efforts of the Department this biased attitude was rectified
at national level, which resulted in rationalization of the
national mineral policy - "forests can be relocated and
grown but the mineral deposits can not be relocated and created"
- became the accepted phrase. Likewise, the uncalled for ban
on asbestos was scientifically assessed and through the unbiased
approaches of the Department the attitude of public in this
matter was rationalized; the Union Government has initiate
review of lifting of this prejudiced ban. Government agencies
of Brazil and Canada also took note of these efforts.
Dispersal of the scientific data and studies were accomplished
through large number of publications, 74 Ph.D. theses, organization
of several seminars, refresher courses, etc. The faculty kept
itself with the scientific progress and contemporary developments
through direct interaction with geoscientists of Indian and
foreign institutions. Several visits abroad (31) of the staff
members also helped in faculty improvement.
One branch that should have developed in our Department but
did not was the groundwater geology.
We have regret about it. Research
efforts of the faculty were achieved through several research
projects (33 Nos.), sponsored by government agencies and industry
alike. University Grants Commission recognized the positive
impact made by the department and thus motivated our efforts
through awards of SAP (Special Assistance Program) 1990 - 1995 and COSIST (Committee
on Strengthening of Infrastructure for Science & Technology)
support 1990-1995, followed by SAP Phase-II (1996-2001).
The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India
has awarded us several research projects as also an Entrepreneurship
Development Cell. The Department had a symbiotic relationship
with Public and State Government Undertakings. Private sector
and small entrepreneurs have always had easy access to our
department. Over the years the laboratory facilities of the
department have also been utilized for training the human
resources of other departments and organizations. The current
upgraded research facilities in the department include - scanning
electron microscope, inductively coupled plasma spectrophotometer,
image analysis system, microthermometry equipment, computers
and accessories, as well as the Internet facility.
An assessment of the second objective of the Department i.e.-
PRODUCTION OF TRAINED GEOLOGISTS - will reveal that the department
has also achieved this objective satisfactorily. The department,
right from the beginning, has been updating the curriculum
to meet the contemporary needs. Right from the beginning rigorous
field training has been imparted to our students. Adequate
field camping facility (bus, tentage etc.) was created. Weekly
field excursions/seminars/ invited lectures/technical film
shows became hallmark of the Department. A number of geoscientists
from abroad and national institutes and organizations were
invited from time to time to deliver invited lectures. Lately,
the emphasis has also shifted to "functional education". We
have also kept ourselves with the contemporary developments
and shifted emphasis in education and training to meet the
contemporary needs. Several universities abroad have discontinued
or greatly reduced the curricula in aspects of geology that
are no longer of relevance. We in India will also have to
shift our emphasis to "functional education in earth sciences".
Close associations between the teachers and the taught have
been maintained in our department. Strike and indiscipline
was unheard of. At the time of the Silver Jubilee Prof. Rode
proudly announced: "At times when the University institutions
in Jaipur were closed for long duration on account of student
activities, our department was the only institution working
normally and we had to seek special permission from the Vice-chancellor
for running the department during such forced closures. Our
students exhibited wonderful discipline and gave full cooperation
to the staff on their normal teaching and field training".
For a better interaction between the department and its alumni
an Alumni Association was started in the year 1982. Through
the efforts of the Association an annual award of Rs. 10,000/-
for the first position holder at M. Sc. Tech. Applied Geology
and a research scholarship were introduced by Shri H. P. R.
Chaudhari, unfortunately due to certain procedural problems
these awards were discontinued in 1989.
The
latest laboratory and library facilities along with a competent
and devoted faculty were available to train good geologists.
Alumni of the Department have been and are occupying responsible
positions in practically most of the earth science organizations,
notably in Rajasthan Department of Mines and Geology, Rajasthan
Ground Water Department, Hindustan Zinc Limited, Oil and Natural
Gas Corporation Ltd., Geological Survey of India, Hindustan
Copper Limited, Atomic Mineral Division, Mineral Exploration
Corporation Limited, Indian Bureau of Mines, Cement Corporation
of India, state government undertakings, several University
Departments etc. Scores of our alumni have done well as entrepreneurs
also. Our faculty members and alumni have won national and
state awards; notably the National Mineral Awards (one by
the faculty and eight by the alumni). We can justifiably be
proud of two of the most significant mineral discoveries in
Rajasthan - the Jhamarkotra Rock phosphate and Agucha zinc-lead
deposits by our alumni who were also largely responsible for
their exploration and development.
To sum up the impact assessment of our Department - we may
look back at the objective of founding of the Department.
Prof. Rode recalled…"at the interview held for the appointment
of a Professor to the Birla Chair of Geology at Udaipur the
doyen of Indian geology, the late Dr. D. N. Wadia asked me
what my contributions would be if I am appointed to the chair.
My answer was that I would like to bring order out of Chaos,
which prevailed, in Rajasthan Geology. On this reply he smiled
at my audacity". The Department that Prof. Rode founded and
developed, directly and through the trained human resources,
"brought order out of chaos in Rajasthan Geology"… and much
more. To that extent we can look back with justified pride
and satisfaction. The institution has served the society and
the subject creditably although during the post-silver jubilee
period we lost some of the hallmarks of the first twenty-five
years. May be it is the price one pays for rapid progress
that was taking place during the last quarter of past century.
I once again welcome you to our Department and hope you will
have a memorable visit to Udaipur.
Thank you ladies & gentleman!
Pushpendra Singh Ranawat
Report
published in
1.
JOURNAL - GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF INDIA, VOL.56, No.1,
July 2000, p 103-104
2.CURRENT
SCIENCE, Vol.79, No.3, 10 August 2000, p270
|
Report
of the 12th Indian Geological Congress, Udaipur,Rajasthan |
The
12th Convention of Indian Geological Congress and National Seminar on Ground Water Resources was
held at Mohan Lal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, Rajasthan, during
08-12 February 2000. B. C. Bora, President IGC delivered an
address on “ROLE OF FOSSIL FUELS AS FUTURE ENERGY SOURCES IN
INDIA”. The Key Note Address by D. K. Chadha (Central Groundwater
Board) was on “GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT IN ARID ZONES IN INDIA".
Depleting mineral resources is a matter of great concern to
earth scientists and the invited lecture by G. S. Roonwal (University
of Delhi) was on “VOLCANOGENIC MASSIVE SULFIDES (VMS) ON THE
MID-OCEANIC RIDGES–RESOURCES FOR THE FUTURE?”. The Technical
Sessions of the IGC and Seminar on Groundwater Resources were
held concurrently. “Profile of Presentations” (the Abstract
Volume) having 175 titles were distributed to the registrants.
The
Sixth IGC Foundation Lecture by P. N. Agrawal (University of
Roorkee) on “SEISMOLOGICAL ASPECT OF EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE REDUCTION”,
was followed by the invited lecture by R. S. Sharma (University
of Rajasthan) on “P-T-t EVOLUTION OF OROGENIC BELTS: A CASE
STUDY OF THE ARAVALLI MOBILE BELT”.
Papers
to the Technical Sessions of IGC were presented on
five broad themes. The presentation on Petrology, Mineralogy and Geochemistry Session (23 titles) covered a wide
spectrum including petrogenesis, migmatization of granulitic
anorthosite complex and granites, petrology of carbon phyllite
and limestone, and computer programs.
A large number of papers (32 titles) were to be presented
in the Session on Mineral Resources, Minerals Exploration, Fossil Fuels and Mineral Industries,
but only a few could be orally presented, covering various
types of mineral resources, strategies for exploration and
entrepreneurship, and geotechnical studies. The scope of foreign
investment and opening the gates to multinationals were debated
at length.
The Session on Precambrian Geology and Tectonics (16 presentations) witnessed presentation
on tectonic modeling of several areas. Stratigraphic
position of ultramafic rocks in the Aravalli and the shear
zone characters in Delhi and Aravalli rocks, the Asia–India
collision using thermochronology, and papers on neotectonics
and microtectonics were also discussed.
The
Session on Phanerozoic Stratigraphy and Paleontology (7 titles) was essentially an “oil-men
show”. Papers on petroleum exploration, erection of basin
stratigraphy of Bombay High and Assam regions and the stratigraphy,
using mega fossils and new species of Ostracode, were presented.
The Invited Lecture of Kuldeep Chandra (KDMIPE – ONGC) on
“PETROLEUM SYSTEMS IN THE INDIAN SEDIMENTARY BASINS: STRATIGRAPHIC
AND GEOCHEMICAL PERSPECTIVES” was presented in absentia by
Anil Bhandari (ONGC).
In the Session on Environmental Geology and Remote Sensing (23 titles) effects of mining, afforestation,
watershed developments using GIS techniques and assessment
of groundwater pollution by remote sensing were presented.
|
National Seminar On Groundwater Resources |
The
National Seminar On Groundwater Resources was covered under four Sessions
having 71 titles. The presentations laid stress on the study
of groundwater, its recharge techniques, improvement in quality
and management of available groundwater resources of several
ground water regimes of India. The modeling of fractures,
fissures in hard rock areas for fruitful targeting the sites
for tube-wells and the electrical resistivity techniques in
semiarid and arid region were discussed. The chemical quality
and fluoride content in groundwater were of great concern.
Techniques for deflouridation were explained and discussed.
Stress was laid on artificial recharges and management of
groundwater in semiarid and arid terrain.
A Group Discussion on the Focal Theme “EMERGING OPPORTUNITIES & GEOLOGICAL CURRICULA OF THE 21ST
CENTURY” anchored by V. K. S. Dave, (Roorkee) was held in
which a drastic change in the earth science education was
discussed in light of the contemporary needs & developments,
specially in applied geology and entrepreneurship. Introduction
of geology as one of the optional subjects at senior secondary
school level was stressed by most of the participants.
Two Excursions were also organized - one across Udaipur–Haldighati–Rajnagar Section
to familiarize the participants with Aravalli rocks and mechanized
marble mining. The other was held along Udaipur–Ranakpur Section
to get a feel of deep water Aravalli and Delhi Formations.
The participants enjoyed the picturesque beauty of the route
to the famous 15th Century Jain Temple at Ranakpur.
The
Valedictory Address of N. S. Bohra (Department of Mines & Geology, Rajasthan)
on “FIVE DECADES OF MINERAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT IN RAJASTHAN:
AN OVERVIEW” was followed by vote of thanks by Vinod Agrawal,
Secretary 12th IGC.
|
Amongst the Recommendations of the 12TH India Geological Congress,
Udaipur, the following are noteworthy: |
1. Groundwater
should now be considered as critically–renewable asset and
there is need for its rational utilisation. A national water
policy based on this concept is called for.
2. Regional Mineral Quality Assessment Centre (RQAC)
should be set up in every state of the country. The RQAC should
have facility/equipment for characterisations of chemical
& physical properties of minerals/rocks, especially in
relation to their industrial specifications.
Drastic
change in curricula of earth science education is called for
in light of contemporary needs & developments – aspects
of applied geology and entrepreneurship should be promoted.
Introduction of geology as one of the optional subjects at
senior secondary school level is recommended
|
FIVE-POINT
RECOMMENDATIONS
of the 12TH Indian Geological Congress, UDAIPUR |
1. Groundwater should now be considered as
critically–renewable asset and there is need for its rational
utilisation. A national water policy based on this concept is
called for.
2. Regional Mineral Quality Assessment Centre
(RQAC) should be set up in every state of the country. The RQAC
should have facility/equipment for characterisations of chemical
& physical properties of minerals/rocks, especially in relation
to their industrial specifications.
3. There is a need for better co-ordination
between university and industry and efforts should be made to
achieve it for national development.
4. Society & industry oriented research
should be promoted & dispersal of its result should reach
common man through the publications also in popular magazines,
newspapers, TV programs, and the Internet.
5. Drastic change in curricula of earth science
education is called for in light of contemporary needs &
developments – aspects of applied geology and entrepreneurship
should be promoted. Introduction of geology as one of the optional
subjects at senior secondary school level is recommended
.
WELCOME
ADDRESS: GOLDEN JUBILEE EVENTS |
|
DEPARTMENT
OF GEOLOGY, ML SUKHADIA UNIVERSITY, UDAIPUR
Welcome Address of the Convener: Golden Jubilee Events |
H.
E. the Governor - Justice Shri Anshuman Singhji, Hon'ble Minister
for Education Dr. C. P. Joshi, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor Prof.
A. K. Singh, Respected Dean Faculty of Science Prof. HRS Tyagi,
distinguished geoscientists. Ladies and Gentlemen!
I
welcome you to the Golden Jubilee events of our Department -
the Inauguration of the Golden Jubilee Wing constructed under the Special Assistance Program of University
Grants Commission; launching of our new web-site http://www.geolmlsu.org; the
National Seminar on “Development of Geology and Mineral
Resources in India – Vision 2010” and our Alumni Meet.
This
Department was established in 1950 as the first postgraduate
department in Rajasthan. Selection of Geology to be the first
PG science department amongst the science subjects reflects
the foresight of the planners of the newly founded state of
Rajasthan and “priority considerations” (Prof. G. S. Mahajani,
VC; Economics at Jaipur and Philosophy at Jodhpur were the other
two PG Departments established at that time). Although the Rajputana
University was located at Jaipur, this Department was established
in Udaipur because of the geological significance of this region.
State Government Directorate of Mines and Geology of was likewise
headquartered at Udaipur.
This Department was setup with the twin
objectives:
(I) To undertake Geological Research
and
(II) To train much–needed geologists for
the country
The
Department was expected to develop functional infrastructure,
and provide virtuous teaching, skillful field training, peerless
research and to achieve objectives of scientific and societalconsequences.
The department started working from the roomsprovided in the
then Maharana Bhopal College. A Birla Chairwas established and
Prof. K. P. Rode was assigned the gigantictask of achieving
the objectives of setting up of the department.The present campus
was acquired and Prof. C. D. Deshmukh, Chairman University Grants
Commission laid the foundationstone of this majestic building
on 28th October 1958 whichwas completed in 1962. The next milestone,
in the same year,was starting of the one-year post M. Sc. course
of M. Sc.Tech. Applied Geology. An overview of the history of
the department will reveal that the first 25 years were essentially
devotedto manpower training to meet the requirements of geologistsin
the country. By the time the Department reached the SilverJubilee
mark, in 1975, it had produced only seven Ph. D. theses,the
faculty had published only a few research papers and ithad organized
only one seminar, because the “priority considerations”dictated
human resources development. By then some of ouralumni had reached
top positions in several organizationsand had creditably served
Departments of Mines and Geology(DMG), Ground Water Departments
(GWD), Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), Hindustan Copper Limited
(HCL), Geological Survey ofIndia (GSI), Oil & Natural Gas
Commission (ONGC), AtomicMineral Division (AMD), Central Ground
Water Board (CGWB),educational and research institutions, and
private enterprises.The post–Silver Jubilee period saw a certain
degree of saturation in employment opportunities in geology,
this period was also the era of development of instrumentation
and these aspects mainly furthered the impetus to research work
during the next 25 years when nearly 70 Ph. D. were produced.
A large number of papers were also published and several seminars
were organized. Because of its contributions to the subject
the department received financial supports of University Grants
Commission under the schemes of COSIST (Committee on Strengthening of Infrastructure for Science & Technology)
1990-1995 and SAP (Special Assistance Program) 1990-1995 Phase-I and 1996-2001 Phase-II.
This Department was part of University of Rajasthan up to December
1988. Being located away from Rajasthan University, Jaipur
and not being part of Udaipur University, this department developed
its own culture and ethos, which have been unique features of
this department. Notables amongst them are:
1. We tried to be as self-reliant and as self-sustained as possible. Besides being essentially
dependent on the University we also made efforts to generate
our own resources through projects, schemes and applying
for any available funding of the government agencies
(PL 480, COSIST, SAP, EDC etc) and also through scores of
projects and schemes of government, public and state government
undertakings.
2.
Infrastructure development did not stop with having
our own independent building and its expansion and extension
from time to time (the Golden Jubilee Wing inaugurated today
and the new tube-well are recent effort in this line). We
also set up our own library, rock section preparation facility,
workshop, vehicles and camping facilities.
3.
We tried to develop laboratories of contemporary importance, with matching posts and
manpower training. Staring with X-ray diffraction, section
preparation, petrographic and photographic facilities, we
also developed conventional analytical laboratory, followed
by sophisticated analytical instrumentation laboratory. We
were one of the first institutions in the state to start extensive
and intensive computerization, so much so that it met with
vociferous opposition at the time of its implementation. The
developments during past couple of years have vindicated our
stand and consequently we gained a distinct edge over other
institutions in this respect. Our efforts are continuing to
upgrade it to the latest facilities including the Internet
applications. Launching of our web site today is a step in
that direction.
4.
Another special feature of our department has been to readily provide our facilities to other researchers. This was much before
UGC asked educational institutions to share their facilities
with others. Workers from University Zoology department, Medical
and Ayurvedic Colleges, Entrepreneurs, University and Government
Departments were willingly and cheerfully provided facilities
available in the department. Many academicians, government
officials and technicians have been trained in specialization
and facilities developed in this department
5.
Change and upgrade. We have also kept updating our
curriculum with the time. We are happy that UGC choose this
department, in 1962, to start the new scheme of one-year post–M.
Sc. course in Applied Geology. This course proved very functional
to train Applied Geologists. Success achieved here and looking
at the usefulness of this course it was subsequently started
at couple of more departments in India. Field training
programs have also been hallmarks of this department
and these have not diluted or reduced to a farce. Boards of
Studies and Committees of Courses have been active in upgrading
the syllabi from time to time. Statistical geology was started
in 1980 and a paper on Computer Application in Geology was
started in 1998. These aspects have also given us an edge
in manpower training. This is the only geology department
in country to have an Entrepreneurship Development Cell, established
1998 with the help of Department of Science & Technology,
Government of India. This step proved timely and now several
other geology departments are planning to follow.
6.
The department tried to serve - Science, Society and Self in that order. Rational and trend-setting works
were undertaken that had impact on science as well as society
and consequently the "self" was also benefited. The Department
way back in 1975 took up environmental aspects, but we did
not use it as eco-weapon but followed rational approach
to environment. Our concept of "forest can be relocated but not the mineral deposits" was well received
and appreciated that resulted in restructuring of the National
Mineral Policy. Likewise, because of our studies and propagation
of concepts of "risk-benefit assessment" and "notion of acceptable risk" for asbestos problem
the Union Government is now reviewing the unjustified ban
on asbestos mining. Of
course there were certain failures and kinks during
these years, but these are parts of all the developing institutions
and we also became victim of a national level problem when
we should have faced it with resolve and determination. This
resulted during the period (1980s) when the trend of “publish
or perish” was at its peak in academic institutions. The concept
of society, science and self witnessed distortion in priorities
where self took precedence over components of institution,
science and society (akin to shubh-labh V/s labh-shubh priority).
This resulted in disinterest of academicians in other aspects
of the institutions such as replenishing of stores, stock
verifications, infrastructure development, accounting and
auditing etc. It also resulted in improper recruitment and
promotions in educational institutions. Collapse of Soviet
Union and socialism have now resulted in rectification of
the problem where academicians are now expected to evaluate
their - Functions, Responsibilities, and Accountability. Even
in politics the concept of reward to "performing state" raised
recently by the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Chandra
Babu Naidu has now been accepted and similar assessments are
now called for in educational institution also.
7.
Another unique aspect of the department has been the family-like relationship of teaching, non-teaching staffs and students. Being
away from the main campus at Jaipur for the first thirty-eight
years and not being part of the University in Udaipur, we
developed a special culture that has been an aspect of wonder
for other departments and units of the University.
8. The subjects of Geology,
and because of that the geology departments are now at
a crossroad where we have to again choose correct path
and policies. World over, there is decline in interest in
science subjects and it is all the more true for earth sciences.
We have reached a degree of saturation in respects to conventional
or traditional aspects of geology, which are now fairly well
understood, and therefore, we have to become more useful for
societal aspects. Groundwater resource management, hydro-geochemistry
and environmental aspects are of relevance now. Fortunately,
the state of Rajasthan is not plagued by natural disasters
like earthquakes or landslides, where also the role of earth
scientist is required. Geological Society of India, XII Indian
Geological Congress held in this Department and several educationists
have called for introduction of geology at school level. We
urge the state government to take implementational steps in
this regard. Many postgraduate departments of geology were
opened in Rajasthan during past few decades without proper
infrastructure development. The faculty in these departments
is doing commendable service but the best of faculty will
be hamstrung without proper infrastructure. The state government
is also requested to take note of these situations.
9.
Reviewing the impact factor of the department and scanning
the achievement-level of the objectives of founding
of this department we find that the first objective – “bring
order in the Geology of Rajasthan” has been achieved,
directly and through its students; not only in the geology
of Rajasthan but of several other localities of the country.
Efforts of the department have attracted attention of earth
scientists from around the globe and Rajasthan has been an
important destination for several overseas geologists and
geology institutions of international repute, so much so that
there is talk of promoting geo-tourism.
The
second objective of “production of skillful geologists"
has also been achieved well as exemplified by the contributions
of our alumni. Many of them have justifiably occupied position
of power in prestigious institution like DMG, GWD, HZL HCL,
MECL, GSI, AMD, ONGC, CGWB etc. Several of them have won prestigious
awards including nine National Mineral Awards. Even those
who have not been rewarded have also made significant contribution
in development of geology and several mineral deposits in
Rajasthan including the world-famous Agucha lead zinc deposits,
Jhamarkotra rock phosphate, limestone deposits, industrial
minerals deposits and decorative stones as well as groundwater
resources. Equally significant has been the contribution of
our students as entrepreneurs.
However, we do not want to sit over judgment for ourselves
and would like the society and the government to tell us as
to how we can improve our utility. We wish to keep our eyes
and ears open and attitude positive for the over-all betterment. I once again welcome you all to our department for the Golden Jubilee events.
Thank you ladies & gentlemen!
REPORT:
GOLDEN JUBILEE EVENTS |
|
National Seminar on "Development of Geology and Mineral Resource in India - Vision 2010"
|
The
national Seminar on "Development of Geology and Mineral
Resource in India - Vision 2010" was organized to mark the
golden jubilee of the establishment of the University Department
of Geology at Udaipur. It was inaugurated by His Excellency
Justice Shri Anshuman Singh, Governor of Rajasthan and Chancellor
of the University on Wednesday the 15th November
2000 at 11 a.m. Hon’ble Dr. C. P. Joshi, Minister for Education,
Government of Rajasthan was the guest of honor. Prof. Col.
A. K. Singh, Hon'ble Vice Chancellor, M. L. Sukhadia University,
Udaipur presided over the function. Dr. P. S. Ranawat, Head,
Department of Geology and Convener of the seminar welcomed
the august gathering. Prof. H. R. S. Tyagi, Dean, College
of Science presented the Vote of Thanks. The inaugural program
was compered by Dr. P. C. Avadich, Organizing Secretary, Golden
Jubilee Celebrations. On this occasion the Golden Jubilee
Wing of the Bhu Vigyan Bhawan [constructed under the Special
Assistance Program of the University Grants Commission] and
the web-site of geology department http://www.geolmlsu.org
was also inaugurated by His Excellency the Governor of Rajasthan.
A total of 56 papers, including 10 invited papers, were received
for the seminar. Abstracts of these papers were published
in the Abstracts Volume (62 p). Out of these 6 invited papers
and 16 other papers could only be accommodated in the available
time. Due to shortage of time, rest of the papers were only
discussed or presented as posters. All the presentations were
well received and appreciated by the distinguished earth scientist.
A large number of delegates participated in the discussion.
Technical Sessions: The
papers in the Technical Sessions of the National Seminar were
covered in four broad themes. The first session on Development
of Geology and Emerging Thrust Areas covered a wide spectrum
from Precambrian to Holocene. The key papers presented by
Prof. D. S. Chauhan of JNV University, Jodhpur dealt with
the connection of lost Vedic River Saraswati, part of the
ancient river system of northern India, and upliftment of
Himalayas. He emphasized that tracing of the paleochannel
of River Saraswati could be helpful in solving the water crisis
of Western Rajasthan. Prof. B. S. Paliwal JNV University,
Jodhpur, discussed the stratigraphy of Marwar Supergroup and
emphasized that they need a fresh look, which will help in
reframing the geological column of Rajasthan. He also stressed
upon better co-ordination between different agencies working
in the area. Prof R. P. Kachhara of Nagaland University, Kohima
proposed molluscan zones for Bhuban Subgroup of Surma and
Garo Groups of Eastern India. He discussed these along with
formational zones and other uniform scheme of molluscan role
for Miocene sequences of the Indian subcontinent.
Dr. A. P. Shiva Kumar of Osmania University, Hyderabad, highlighted
the significance of physico – mechanical properties of rocks
and predicted that the field of rock -mechanics shall be an
emerging thrust area for geological researches in near future.
In
the Second Technical Session of Geology of Mineral Resource;
salient features of geology and genesis of many mineral deposits
including uranium, copper and new report of tin mineralization
near village Rajgarh, district Ajmer, attracted much discussion.
Shri P. P. Kala, General Manager [Geology], Hindustan Zinc
Ltd. discussed emerging exploration opportunities for zinc
resource in India in global perspective in light of the near-future
demand-supply ratio.
The Third Session on Mineral Development included a large number of papers on exploration, exploitation,
environmental issues, mineral processing and technology upgradation.
The papers presented by Shri S. R. Jani, General Manager [Geology]
of Binani Industries Ltd and his co-author on Computer Application
in Ore Body Evaluation with a case history of limestone deposits
and by Shri N. Balasubramanian, General Manager [Planning]
of RSMML on direct application of low-grade rock-phosphate,
primarily in the acidic soils in the country and some of the
impediments faced in this process, generated much interest.
Mineral development and its Environmental Impact Assessment
were emphasized by Shri M. L. Jhanwar from Jaipur (retired
Director, Geological Survey of India).
In
the Fourth Session on Domestic and International Market for Indian Minerals and Mineral Policies the
key paper was presented by Dr. M. G. Deshmukh, Director {Technical},
Mineral Exploration Corp., Nagpur, on Aluminum Industry in
India - Vision 2010. He presented a very bright future for
the Indian aluminum Industry. With vast bauxite resource
[6th ranking in world] India can capture a large chunk of
global market. Other papers presented mainly dealt with prospects
of value-added earnings in mineral sectors. Shri R. P. Vijayvergia,
Sr. Geologist, Department of Mines and Geology, Government
of Rajasthan, and his co-author dealt at large the role of
public sector and private sector in Rajasthan. They concluded
that under changed government policies, private sector would
have significant role in mineral development in Rajasthan.
Shri S. G. Bohra, Director, Department of Mines and Geology,
Government of Rajasthan, in his Valedictory Address described last fifty years of mineral development in
Rajasthan, which has shown steady progress during this period.
The vast mineral potential of the state awaits systematic
exploration and exploitation for its optimum utilization and
the state Department of Mines and Geology has an onerous task
of providing logistic support for ongoing activities. He projected
the directions and priorities of the department, predicting
a very rapid advancement in mineral development in near future.
The Department of Mines and Geology has also launched a comprehensive
web site http://www.dmg-raj.com. It contains on-line information
of activities, available mineral resources, scope of mineral-based
industries.
Vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. P. C. Avadich, Organizing
Secretary, Golden Jubilee Celebrations
|
Recommendations of the National Seminar on DEVELOPMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINERAL RESOURCE IN INDIA - VISION 2010
|
.
Held
at the Department of Geology, ML Sukhadia University, Udaipur
on 15th November 2000 under the aegis of UGC & CSIR. Inaugurated
by H. E. the Governor of Rajasthan, Justice Shri Anshuman
Singh in the august presence of Dr. C. P. Joshi Hon’ble Minister
for Education Government of Rajasthan and Prof. A. K. Singh,
Hon’ble Vice Chancellor ML Sukhadia University.
The
participants of the Seminar proposed the following recommendations
that are to be forwarded to competent authorities for their
early and effective implementation.
1.
Indiscriminate, heedless and unballasted consumption of
groundwater has resulted in its rapid depletion causing
severe draught conditions in Rajasthan in particular and
several States of India in general. This problem therefore
needs urgent attention of all the citizens. Efforts should
be made to recharge the groundwater resources by augmentation
of surface water resources including harvesting of rainwater.
A policy for rational utilization of groundwater is urgently
needed. A suitable legislation should be promulgated for
the controlled use of groundwater as is being done in some
of the water-scarcity States of USA.
2. Mineral resources have
wide-ranged utility in the modern-day world; consequently,
the knowledge of geological sciences has wide societal significance.
A change in the curricula of geological education in light
of the present-day needs of the society is called for and
introduction of geology in school education at senior secondary
(10+2) level has become essential. The state government
is therefore urged to implement its introduction at school
level. Geological Society of India, Bangalore and the 12th
Indian Geological Congress held in February 2000 have strongly
advocated this aspect.
3.
A number of State and Central government agencies like the
state Departments of Mines and Geology, Groundwater Departments,
Geological Survey of India, Central Groundwater Department,
Mineral Exploration Corp. Ltd., Atomic Minerals Division,
Oil and Natural Gas Corp. Ltd., Oil India Limited; state
and central undertakings and enterprises like Hindustan
Zinc Ltd., Hindustan Copper Ltd., Manganese Ore India Ltd
and other academic institutions and research laboratories
are engaged in geological studies, mineral exploration and
their development work.. A large quantity of data
is generated by these agencies on account of their activities.
This data remains locked in their records and is not made
available to other agencies engaged in similar work or even
working in the same area. A better co-ordination between
different agencies and institutions is therefore called
for. This data should be treated as national property
and should be available to any agency that needs it.
This will save not only the time but avoid wasteful expenditure
on the same kind of work.
4.
Academic institutions e.g. universities and other research
laboratories play a vital role in developing human resource
that help in mineral development. A small fraction of the
revenue generated through mineral resources should be made
available to these institutions for their upkeep and modernization.
For example the Central Government is already levying a
cess of 75 paise/tonne from the cement producers to generate
corpus fund that is made available to central building material
agencies like the National Council Cement & Building
Material etc. The state government is urged to provide 1%
of the total earnings generated through mineral revenue
to the universities having geology and mining engineering
departments. (Say
1% of 306.1465 crores in 1998-99 = ~3crores)
5.
Mineral resources are wasting assets. Once exploited they
cannot be generated. The presently available mining areas
will be exhausted in near future. It will create deficiency
and shortage of mineral raw material. A policy has to be
framed wherein the mineral resource lying in the forest
area could be utilized and in lieu of it New Forest areas
be developed. The State Government is requested to coordinate
effective implementation of this aspect by the Central government.