Contributions in Environmental Geology

From the preface: "Geological Survey of India initiated geological studies on specific environmental problems/phenomena since 1968 when this field of study was little known. Geoenvironmental appraisal studies gained momentum from seventies onward with the setting up of the Environmental Geology Divisions at the regional level and gradually increasing the number of parameters systematically studied and data created. Of the twelve environmental parameters considered relevant for a rational environmental assessment, six are closely related to earth sciences and thereby also come under the purview of the Geological Survey of India. During the last two decades over 360 items of investigations, by deploying more than 430 scientific personnel, have been undertaken by the GSI in various parts of the country.

"A presentation was made by the GSI on its findings in the field of environmental studies before the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Ministry of Mines in November, 1995. The Committee desired that GSI should bring out a publication to disseminate the departmental findings in the field of environmental geology as some of these studies have grave implications for the sustainability of developmental efforts and the future resource potential of different areas.

"Accordingly this special publication is brought out summarising the findings of selected investigations in different states of the country and in varied geological setup under various themes like regional appraisal, appraisal of mining belts, appraisal for tourism industry, appraisal of urban areas, pollution specific studies, coastal environmental studies, studies of natural hazards, river regimes and river valley projects and health hazards."