1 December 2021

Dear Fellows/ Members,

Before we start the deliberations of today’s meeting, it is with a sense of deep sorrow that we record the loss of our Life Members V.M. Bhole, Director GSI; Dr A,V, Raju, DDG (Retd), GSI; A.W. Wasu, CG, MOIL; Prof. M. Bilwa, Mysuru; V. S. Krishnaswamy, DG (Retd) , GSI; Dr. R. M. Badve, Pune; K. Muthuraman, Director (Retd); Pramod Adau, Supt Geologist, GSI, Prof. K.L. Rai, Bhopal;  K. K. Dutta , Director (Retd); T.T. Somnathe, GSDA (Retd); Prof. H. J .Hansen, Denmark. May I request you all to observe silence for two minutes as a mark of respect to the departed souls.

I welcome you all to the 40^th Annual General Meeting. Kindly permit me to present before you the Annual Report of our Society for the year 2020-21.  The society has grown from a group of like-minded people to a congregation of more than 700 geoscience experts from all over India and overseas.

Membership

The position of life membership as it stood at the end of 2020-21 is upto serial number 702 out of which nearly 650 members are active members. Out of this, 07 Life Members were enrolled during the period under report.

            I am happy to inform the house that the Society has total four institutional members viz. Groundwater Survey and Development Agency (GSDA), Pune and Nagpur and Jai Hind College, Dhule and the Govt. P.G. Autonomous College of Science, Durg, Chhattisgarh.  

Publications

The name of Gondwana Geological Magazine, is changed as Journal of Geosciences Research (JGSR). The JGSR Volumes were in process for printing. The printing of volume was kept in abeyance due to Pandemic.  The volumes Vol. 5 no. 2, and Vol  6 no 1 and Vol. 6 no.2,  were printed  later. The Society has initiated process for  getting impact factor for JGSR. The published volumes are sent to most of the members by email in pdf format. The Society extends sincere thanks to the scrutinizers who completed timely scrutiny of the papers for this Journal.

Status of  Journal of Geosciences Research

It a matter of pleasure to announce that Journal of Geosciences Research (JGSR) has succeeded in timely publication of its regular issues with overwhelming support received from the learned geoscientific community across India. Now, the JGSR is recognized by University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi and included it in the new UGC-CARE list. It is proposed to upload all the JGSR volumes on GGS website (gondwanags.org.in).  The JGSR is now directly linked with Google search engine and the individual abstracts can be accessed all over the world as an html page and a downloadable pdf. The JGSR is now registered with Indian Citation Index (ICI) and expected to get it incorporated in the ICI very soon. Similarly, the attempts are being made to Index the JGSR in Google Scholar. Thus, it is expected to get it indexed there soon. The credentials of the JGSR are also under the process of submission to SCOPUS to fulfill the long pending demand of our readers and authors to recognize the JGSR as a SCI journal with the impact factor. With the unstinted support of our authors, reviewers and editorial team, January 2022 issue of the JGSR is in press for final printing and the soft copy of  the same is ready for circulation. The JGSR-2022, January Vol. 7, No. 1 will be circulated in time as per schedule. The funds position was affected in this year due to pandemic and lock down as the sale of publication was minimal and lack of activity kept the income stagnated. The Executive Council has decided to accept advertisements in the regular volumes restricted to a total of four colour pages at the rate of  Rs. 20,000/- for single page.

Meetings

The Society held 05 online  meetings of Executive Council during the year, to discuss the present situation and online activity for GGS. The Executive Council discussed the possibility of organising an online Seminar during pandemic in association with Mineral Exploration Corporation, Nagpur. The biennial election of GGS for the term 2020-2021 was delayed due to pandemic and was held in February 2021. The new EC took charge on 2 March 2021.  A new Executive Council headed by Dr. A.K. Chatterjee, as President and Dr P. B. Sarolkar, as Secretary, Dr. M. K. Roy  and Dr P.K. Jain as Vice presidents, Dr H. M. Khandare, Mrs S. Chaurpagar as  Joint Secretary, Mrs Samaya Humane as Treasurer, Dr. S.K. Humane as Editor and Dr Sandip Roy as Joint Editor, along with council Members, took over charge on 2 March  2021. 

Seminar/ Symposium / Workshop

The pandemic and lockdown put restrictions on the activities of Society.  Despite lot of restrictions the Society arranged online talks by  Dr N. C. Pant, Dr Somnath Dasgupta and  Dr. Yamuna Singh, on topics of scientific importance.

Foundation lecture of the Society

Since 32^nd AGM the Society has initiated to organize a Foundation Lecture. Today Dr Sandip Roy, Director GSI, Nagpur delivered the Foundation Lecture on the topic “Deglaciation, climate change and Antarctica”.  

GGS also extends greetings to the Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University for Platinum Jubilee Celebrations and wish it will be grand success.

Awards by GGS

            GGS has instituted an annual late Dr S.C. Srivastava Gold Medal for research in Geochemistry  for young (less than 40 years) geoscientists. Faminly members of Late Dr. S.C. Srivastava donated the money for institution of this award. The first award for excellent contribution in Geochemistry was conferred on Dr. Abhishek Saha, Sr Scientist, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa. Dr Mrs Samaya Humane, has played a key role in institution of the award, processing applications and finalization of the award.   

Sale of Publications

            It is heartening to know that our publications are gaining popularity steadily but the sale of publication has  declined due to the pandemic. Total sale of publication during the period was Rs.8400 /- only. It is essential to put all out efforts to propagate our publications and improve the sale of GGS publications. Presently the sale of publications is very less and needs to be improved drastically.  

The annual subscription of the regular volumes are getting wider acceptance from Govt. organisations such as AMD, Hyderabad & Nagpur, Solapur University, SGB Amravati University and Govt. Institute of Science, Aurangabad &, Print India, New Delhi. .

Directory of Membership

A long awaited desire of publication of the Directory of the Life Members of GGS is nearing completion, but for the address details of few members, who are transferred or have changed their residence. All the members are requested to submit their latest addresses, phone numbers and e-mail ID to the Society to update the present directory. The list of Members was posted on Whatsapp and website.

Achievements of Life Members

            It is heartening to note that the life members of our society are acquiring higher positions in their respective organizations, which is a matter of great pride for the Society. Dr K.R. Randive has taken over charge as the Head of Department, Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur. Dr A.K. Joshi has joined as Director, MRSAC, Nagpur.

Acknowledgements

The Society is grateful to Shri. Hemarj Suryavanshi, Addl Director General and HoD, GSI, Central Region, for providing Auden  Hall for this meeting. The Society is thankful to Dr. Kirtikumar Randive, the Head, PG Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, for providing renovated hall for holding the meetings and for providing the premises for functioning of the Society. Our sincere thanks to M/s Aishwarya Graphics for printing the volumes of JGSR. We are also thankful to the auditors M/s A.G. Pimparkhede and Co. for auditing the accounts for the year 2020-21.

            We express sincere thanks to the authors, scrutinizers, members of editorial committee whose efforts are crucial in timely publication of the Journal. We would like to extend special thanks to the Honourable Vice Chancellor of RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur for the encouragement given to the activities of Gondwana Geological Society. I would also like to extend sincere thanks to Dr. U. L. Pitale, Dr. A.G. Bhusari, Prof. P.M. Tapaswi, Dr Amit Majumdar,  for the encouragement to the activities of Society. I also thank all the members of the Executive Council of the Society for constant encouragement, guidance and for extending support during the pandemic. The encouragement provided by the members of Media / Press by giving timely publicity to the activities of the Society is gratefully acknowledged. Lastly, I am thankful to you all for the co-operation extended in organising the activities of the Society during the pandemic and sincerely hope that it would continue during the current year also.

Nagpur           

01/12/2021                                                                                         Secretary 

GONDWANA GEOLOGICAL SOCIETY

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL  MEETING 22/11/2021

 An online meeting of Executive Committee was conducted on 22/11/2021, to discuss the AGM of GGS to be held on 1 December 2021. Following members attended the meeting. Dr. A.K. Chatterjee, Dr. S.K. Humane, Dr. A.K.Raina, Dr. P. K. Jain, Dr. Mrs. Samaya Humane, Dr M.K. Roy, Dr Sandip Roy, Dr.H. W. Khandare, Shri. Chandra Das, Shri. P. B. Sarolkar.

The meeting started with discussion on preparation of AGM, and it was decided that a foundation day talk of Dr. Sandip Roy will be arranged on topic “ Antarctica and climate change”. The various other topics like publication of JGSR, new member enrolled were discussed.  It was also informed that total 10 applications were received for the late Dr. S.C. Srivastava gold medal for excellent contribution in Geochemistry installed by GGS. Dr Abhishek Saha of   NIO, Goa, is selected for  this award. The  second best candidate was Shri. Md. Sadiq of GSI. It was suggested to give a appreciation certificate to him.

The Secretary informed to the members that the Head of Department, Geology Department has decided to shift the almirahs and office of GGS from the present location to some other area for use as meeting  room. The members discussed the proposal in length and opined that GGS should continue from the present position and extend all possible support for  scientific work.

The meeting concluded with extending thanks by the Secretary.     

MINUTES OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEETING OF GGS: 25/11/2021

A meeting of EC of GGS was conducted on 25/11/2021 to discuss AGM 2020 programme.

1. A resolution suggested that the Secretary, GGS may include his name in bank account as authorized signatory.  

2. A talk by Dr Sandip Roy on “ Deglaciation, climate change and Antarctica” is arranged on 1/12/2021.

3. Gold medal on geochemistry will be given to Dr Anhishek Saha, NIO, Goa.

4. The citation given to gold medal winner may be uploaded in website and published in JGSR.

5.Keeping in view the Platinum Jubilee of Department of Geology, RTM Nagpur University, a letter with greetings and good wishes may be sent to HoD.

6. Discussion may be initiated with the Director, AMD to organize a seminar on geosciences in April- May 2022.

7. The foundation day talk and award giving ceremony will be held at GSI, Central Region, followed by AGM.

8. Journal may be put on website and may be visible to all members.

9. The recent improvement in JGSR, effort for citation index and impact factor may be included in website and Secretary report.

The meeting was attended by Dr. A.K. Chatterjee, Dr. S.K. Humane, Dr. Mrs. Samaya Humane, Dr. Amit Mujumdar, Prof. P. M. Tapaswi, Dr A.M. Pophare,  Dr. H. W. Khandare, Shri. R.S.Kalamkar and Shri. P. B. Sarolkar. Vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Khandare.

Presented to Dr. Abhishek Saha

Citation

Dr. Abhishek Saha, Senior Scientist, National Institute of Oceanography, Goa; is awarded the coveted late Dr. Shrichandra Srivastava Gold Medal-2021 for excellent contribution in geochemistry. Dr. Abhishek Saha, 38 years, acquired Ph. D. in Geology on Mafic-Ultramafic-Alkaline Complex of Karbi-Anglong, Assam from Calcutta University in 2012. Afterwards, he served in Indian Institute of Science as Research Fellow.  He was DST inspired faculty at NGRI, Hyderabad in 2014-15 and later joined as Scientist in NIO, Goa.

He was a principal investigator in exploration for polymetallic nodules in oceanic floor. He spearheaded project on geochemical studies of volcanic rocks in Andaman Basin and tectonic processes along subduction zone in Indian Ocean elaborating the inter-relation of subduction zone with geochemical signatures of lithology. He has wide experience in oceanic research through scientific cruises in Indian Ocean.

He is Associate Fellow of Andhra Pradesh Academy of Sciences and reviewer of number of International Geoscience Journals like Precambrian Research, Journal of Asian Earth Science and Journal of Applied Geochemistry. His contribution in geochemical evolution of PGE and Chromite occurrences in Nagaland, Geochemical fingerprints of crustal mantle section of  Ophiolite in Nagaland,  magma genesis in Andaman Volcanic Arc and geochemical characters of submarine rhyolite plumes, highlight the geochemistry of rock types and mineralization along subduction zones. Besides having implications on earth processes, this research leads to understanding of genesis of rare mineralization in contact zones.

The Gondwana Geological Society, Nagpur feels privileged to honour his contribution in geochemical research on subduction zone, tectonism and genesis of mineralization thereof.

P. B. Sarolkar

INVITATION

Gondwana Geological Society cordially invites the esteemed members and geoscientists to a foundation day talk on “Deglaciation, climate change and Antarctica” on 1^st December 2021,   3.00 pm, at J.W. Auden Hall, Geological Survey of India, Central Region, Nagpur.  Shri. Hemraj Suryavanshi, Addl  Director General and HoD, Geological Survey of India, Nagpur will grace the occasion as Chief Guest.

Gondwana Geological Society is also pleased to invite you to attend a ceremony to confer late Dr. Shrichandra Srivastva gold medal for research in Geochemistry to Dr. Abhishek Saha, Senoir Scientist,  National Institute of  Oceanography, Goa.  The gold medal will be given by honourable member of  Srivastava family.

The programme will be followed by AGM of Gondwana Geological Society.

                                                                                  Dr P. B. Sarolkar

Secretary,

Gondwana Geological Society, Nagpur

AGENDA OF AGM 2021

The 39th AGM of the Gondwana Geological Society (GGS) will be virtually held from Nagpur on 02.03.2021 from 7.30 pm onwards. The GGS has nearly 700 life members from all over India and abroad and also 4 institutional members. It is the second largest geological society of its kind in India and besides having forums for scientific lectures and discussions, it has successfully organised 14 national seminars on topical issues covering the several branches of the geosciences. The GGS regularly publishes its UGC recognised research journal ‘Journal of Geosciences Research’ biannually.

The agenda items include confirmation of minutes of the last AGM, Secretary’s and Treasurer’s (audited) Report 2019-20 and approval of the Late Dr Sri Chand Srivastava gold medal for the best research paper on geochemistry. This will be followed by declaration of election results for the new executive council for 2020-2022, that will be announced by the election officer. The new council will take over charge during the AGM. Dr Anjan Chatterjee, President and Dr P.B. Sarolkar, Secretary, will be on the chair. All members of the GGS are cordially invited to attend.

The link to attend the AGM on Google Talk App will be through this link:-
meet.google.com/pcv-cfkh-okw

We have the pleasure in announcing a lecture on Saturday 20th February 2021, from 5.00 pm onwards, with the following title ” Proterozoic Tectonics and Supercontinent Cycle: An Indian Perspective” by Prof Somnath Dasgupta, INSA Senior Scientist, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research- Kolkata.

All members and those interested are hereby invited to join the virtual lecture using a designated link on Google Meet provided herewith.

 To join the meeting on Google Meet, click this link: 

https://meet.google.com/zkc-ncto-zvb 

Or open Meet and enter this code: zkc-ncto-zvb

~ Dr Anjan Kumar Chatterjee

President

“We are happy to inform all our members, well wishers and stakeholders that our Journal of Geoscience Research published biannually by the Society has again become an University Grants Commission (UGC) recognised publication. It features at Sl. No. 238 (2455-1953) in the new UGC list. The journal, earlier Gondwana Geological Magazine till 2015, was recognised by the UGC till May 2018.After submitting our credentials conforming to the new UGC guidelines, the Commission has accorded recognition as it complies fully with all their new requirements.”           

– Gondwana Geological Society

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Malpe Talks About Ill Effects of Excess Fluorine in Groundwater at GGS AGM 2019

                                                  And Child Prodigy Sreenabh Agrawal Feted

The Gondwana Geological Society organised it’s AGM on Tuesday 17 December 2019. Prof D.B. Malpe of the PG Geology Department delivered a talk on “Sources and Health Effects of Groundwater Fluoride Contamination” and the child prodigy Sreenabh Agrawal, 16, a student of Std XI of CDS School, Nagpur, with his galaxy of achievements and records at this young age, was felicitated.

Dr Malpe said that the tolerable content of fluorine in water is 0.6 mg per litre, whereas the Bureau of Indian Standards suggests 1.0 mg/l  and the World Health Organisation recommends 1.5 mg/l.  In tropical countries, the consumption of water is higher and hence the threshold of 0.6 to 1.0 mg/l is acceptable. Dental fluorosis results in case of excess fluorine.  During the 1930’s excess fluorine content was detected in cattle in Nalgonda dist, and later also found in humans for the first time in India. Fluorine enters the body through ingestion, inhalation and rarely through the skin surface.  The content of fluorite, fluorapatite, cryolite, apophyllite in country rocks and also through soil and clay minerals replacing hydroxyl minerals are causative factors for groundwater fluorine contamination, Prof Malpe said.  Fluorite veins, amphibole and mica and fluoride rich hydroxyl minerals decompose and alkaline waters with pH of 7.6 to 8.6 and so also high content of total dissolved salts (TDS), aid higher fluorine content. High nitrate concentration, poor sanitation around bore wells and dug wells are also responsible factors. Dental caries, skeletal fluorosis (with fluorine at 4 to 8 mg/l of water), arthritis, stiffness of joints and rheumatism are common in the people living in such fluoride endemic areas. Poker back, with the spine becoming stiff and the person unable to bend his neck  is also reported in such areas according to Prof Malpe. Non-skeletal fluorosis includes reproductive, gastro-intestinal and other diseases reported from such areas, with fluorine contamination.  Prof Malpe and his team’s study focused on 3602 persons of which 3268 were selected for health surveys in parts of Wardha and Chandrapur dists.  The faculty of Sharad Pawar Dental College and Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Sawangi Meghe, Wardha, helped with their support for the case studies. The persons were divided into three age groups of (1-18), ( 19-60) and (60 plus) and were rated as suffering from low, normal, moderate and severe categories of fluorosis. The preponderance is low among the lower age groups, while dental fluorosis cases are maximum in the 60 plus age group. Males have reported 60 %, while females report 40 % of the total cases,  which is due to the fact that many females join in-laws place later in life, but are brought up in non- fluorine endemic areas. Besides, as they are engaged in hard labour the water consumption by males is higher, which affects them Prof Malpe said.  Normal kidney function is very important and impaired renal function with lower excretion, results in retention of fluorine in the body. Remedies to treat the excess fluorine content include creation of Deflourination plant (Nalgonda technique) and treatment in water buckets activated with alumina. Defluorination technique is not successful. The villagers in such areas  have been provided water buckets with alumina by the authorities. Alumina has to be replaced every one year or so, but is not regularly done. Ground water artificial recharging can help minimize fluorine content. The authorities are supplying good quality, potable water from other areas in many villages, but not all villages under the study areas are catered to.  Besides mass awareness programmes, with education of the masses is the need of the hour. If calcium and phosphorus rich diets are taken fluorine retention can be checked. Mid-day meals need to be nutritious for children, Prof Malpe said.

Child prodigy Sreenabh Agrawal , 16, had presented a research paper entitled  “‘Viyog’- grey water segregation for conservation: a green method using Typha Elephantina”, during the very recent GGS National seminar on challenges in ground and surface water resources and has now the distinction of being the youngest researcher to present a paper in all the 16  GGS national symposiums since 1993 till date. He was felicitated with a memento by Dr Anjan Chatterjee, President, GGS, for his sterling achievement. The child’s bio data runs into 27 pages with national and international level achievements and is a matter of inspiration for one and all. Sreenabh spoke on the occasion and thanked the organisers.

Dr P.B. Sarolkar, Secretary, conducted the proceedings. Dr Samaya Humane presented the Treasurer’s report, and Prof A.M. Varade as Organising Secretary, gave an account of the just concluded national seminar. Seated on the dais were Dr P.B.Sarolkar, Dr Anjan Chatterjee, Prof A.M. Pophare, HoD, PG Geology Department. The vote of thanks was proposed by S.N. Girhe, ex Sr Chemist, GSI. 

Dr P.K. Jain, Chief Mineral Economist, Indian Bureau of Mines, Nagpur, delivered the Foundation lecture on the Mining Scenario in India at the 37^th AGM of the Gondwana Geological Society, at the Conference Hall, Directorate of Geology and Mining hqs., Govt of Maharashtra, Nagpur  on 12.10.2018 .

India’s mining sector has been undergoing a progressive change with paradigm shifts in mining laws and policies, since the past few years. It provides direct employment to 4.88 lakh people (2015-16) of which 0.78 lakh are in the metallic, 0.29 lakh in the non-metallic and 3.81 lakh in the fuel (coal and energy sectors), apart from the millions of jobs it creates indirectly. The per capita consumption of minerals is 61 Kg in urban and 10 Kg in the rural sector. The world average per capita consumption is 256 Kg. India is the world’s third largest producer of steel. The annual production of steel is 102 million tonnes and we aim to reach 300 million tonnes by 2030. Uninterrupted raw material supply is essential for sustained growth. In 2016, India’s mining sector contributed Rs 308,200 crores to the economy. To enable the mining sector increase its contribution to the nation’s GDP from 2.5 % as of now to the targeted 4 %, we need to augment our mineral resources, enhance innovation and technological upgradation, create better infrastructure and human resources and provide speedy mineral concessions.  It is important to also develop technology to extract valuable by-products which we are not able to at present. Gallium, used in semiconductors is a valuable by-product of aluminium ore bauxite and  is not optimally extracted in India. India has imported Rs 738,788 crores worth of minerals and metals during 2015-16, whereas our export earnings were only Rs 170,946 crores during 2015-16 .

The fuel minerals have a greater share in production, whereas metallic and non metallic minerals have a lesser share, value wise. Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha and Rajasthan lead  in mineral production in the country. In world resources rankings, we are among the top ten countries in respect of coal, iron ore, manganese, aluminium ore, chromium , zinc and magnesium ore.  The expenditure in mineral exploration by India is US $ 17 per square km , whereas it is $ 124 and $ 118 in respect of Australia and Canada. This needs to be increased substantially. Of India’s entire Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) area of 0.57 million sq. km, identified by GSI, only 10% has been explored and mining is taking place in 1.5 – 2% of this area.

The reform measures needed are more transparency, effective solutions to social problems and tribal issues, addressing infrastructure development of mining areas and achieving uniformity in the lease period which is now fixed at 50 years. The scope for deep seated mining and offshore mining are tremendous, which are expected to meet our future requirements.

Five star rating for mining companies has become compulsory, which ensures their compliance with environmental, safety and labour friendly laws. Illegal mining is firmly dealt with in the new Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 2015 (MMDR Act). This Act also provides security of tenure, grant of prospecting and mining licences, transferability of lease  and foreign direct investment (FDI)  in the mining and exploration sectors.

The MMDR Act 2015 has created transparency in grant of leases through auctions. The auctioned blocks have generated Rs 220,000 crores of revenue, of which Rs 181,000 crores has been collected. The new National Mineral Exploration Trust Fund (NMET) collected on the basis of this Act is now valued Rs 1400 crores, that is expected to be used for exploration purposes. The District Mineral Funds generated Rs 21,000 crores through the cess, that has enriched mining districts and are to be used for the respective district’s welfare.

The minor mineral list has been enhanced to include 31 minerals, that has made it easier for state governments to issue mining lease licences. The export duty on iron ore has been reduced from 10 and 30 % to 0 % for ores with less than 58 % iron content.

A new national mineral policy is under finalization which is expected to have special courts to try mining offences and impose penalties.

Industrial growth and GDP are linked to the mining sector’s growth. Land acquisition is still a grey area and the FDI inflows obtained are low and not as per the expectations.

The mining sector has witnessed major reforms during the last five years and more is expected in the coming years.