Convener of Major Events & Activities

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 Researchand
(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-sustainedas possible. Besides being essentially dependent on the University we also made efforts to generate our own resourcesthrough 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 developmentdid 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 provideour 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 programshave 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 Selfin 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 relationshipof 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 crossroadwhere 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-levelof 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!

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 15^th 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 uplift of Himalayas. He emphasized that tracing of the palaeochannel 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

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 12^thIndian 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.