Question : EXPLORATION OF MINERALS IN RAJASTHAN

(a) whether large scale exploration of minerals have commenced in Thar desert of Western Rajasthan by Geological Survey of India (GSI);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the places where exploration work is in progress;

(c) whether GSI has established a special branch called `Marusthal Bhu Vigyan Shakha` for the purpose;

(d) if so, whether GSI propose to undertake developmental works on the line of the Gulf countries under International Geological Co-relation Programme (IGCP)p413; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL AND MINES ( SHRI RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD)

(a) & (b) : Exploration by Geological Survey of India (GSI) has so far established presence of Limestone, Dolomite, Bentonite Clay, China Clay, Marble, Granite, Gypsum, Potash, Rock Phosphates and Lignite in Jodhpur, Nagaur, Pali, Barmer, Bikaner, Jaisalmer, Seekar, Churu and Hanumangarh districts covered by Thar Desert in Western Rajasthan. Search for Lignite in Barmer District, assessment of Dolomite in Nagaur and Jodhpur Districts and geochemical mapping programmes in Pali District are being undertaken by GSI.

(c) : Yes, Sir, GSI has established a Desert Geology Division in Rajasthan to undertake studies on the process of geological evolution and dynamic processes of Thar Desert in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

(d) & (e) : The studies undertaken by Desert Geology Division will have major links to International Geological Co-relation Programme (IGCP)-413. The major emphasis of its work is to examine socially relevant aspects of over-exploitation of geohydrological regimes, alluvial records and migration of rivers, creation and enhancement of geoarcheological records from the Thar Desert.