Shri Krishna Govind Bhoskar, retired Additional Director General of the Geological Survey of India, Central Region, Nagpur passed away at Nagpur on 16^th December 2024, following a cardiac arrest. He was an alumnus of Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University and a life member of the Gondwana Geological Society.

Deeply mourned by his family, friends, colleagues, and members of the Gondwana Geological Society, Shri Bhoskar will always be fondly remembered by fellow geoscientists. An eminent exploration geologist and a doyen of Central Indian geology, he made invaluable contributions to the understanding of tectonics and mineralization in the Central Indian Shield. Shri Bhoskar was a luminary in the field of geology and mineral exploration, leaving behind a legacy that will inspire generations to come.

Born on December 28, 1945, in Kharagpur, West Bengal, Shri Bhoskar completed his schooling in Kharagpur and pursued higher education in Geology at RTM Nagpur University, where he earned his postgraduate degree. He qualified for the Geological Survey of India (GSI) through the 1968 UPSC Geologists Examination and began his remarkable career with GSI in 1969.

During his tenure, Shri Bhoskar made significant contributions to the discovery and establishment of various mineral resources in Central India. His first assignment was in the Imalia-Bhula-Nawalia region of Jabalpur District, Madhya Pradesh, where he conducted detailed investigations into base metal exploration, leading to the establishment of a moderate-sized copper-lead-silver deposit in the Imalia Block.

His subsequent investigations focused on manganese exploration in the Balaghat, Bhandara and Nagpur districts of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, identifying sizeable manganese ore deposits, many of which are still under active exploitation. Another notable achievement was the discovery of kyanite-sillimanite deposits in the Dahegaon-Pipalgaon blocks of the Sakoli Fold Belt, Maharashtra, where mining operations continued for over a decade.

The golden era of his career began when he spearheaded the search for tungsten in the Sakoli Fold Belt, covering the Kuhi-Khobna-Agargaon and Ranbori-Bhaonri-Kolari blocks in the Nagpur-Bhandara districts. Under his leadership, vast resources of tungsten were established. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to tungsten exploration, Shri Bhoskar and his team were honoured with the prestigious National Mineral Award (now the National Geoscience Award) in 1984 by the Government of India, a testament to his dedication and excellence in the field.

His visionary leadership led to the discovery of gold-copper resources in the Pular-Parsori and Garara-Nerla belts of the Sakoli Fold Belt. Shri Bhoskar’s guidance in identifying platinum association in the gold deposits of this region was a pioneering achievement in Indian geology.

Another noteworthy contribution was his instrumental role in establishing a mineral beneficiation plant at Dhargaon, Bhandara District, Maharashtra. This facility supported GSI’s exploratory investigations, including the search for tin in Bastar District, Chhattisgarh; scheelite in the Sakoli Fold Belt; and diamonds in the Western Bastar Craton of Central India. Additionally, the plant served as a valuable resource of knowledge for university students and researchers engaged in advanced geological studies.

Shri Bhoskar’s dedication, intellectual brilliance, and passion for geology were evident throughout his illustrious career. His pioneering discoveries and contributions have enriched India’s geological heritage, setting a benchmark for future exploration.

He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, dedication, and inspiration for geologists and researchers across the country. His work and achievements will continue to be remembered and celebrated for years to come.

Shri Krishna Govind Bhoskar is survived by his family, friends, and countless colleagues who were touched by his wisdom and guidance.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.