Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir to assume charge as 55th Director General of GSI

Shri Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir has taken charge as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), an institution associated with the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. According to a PIB Delhi report, Shri Ganvir has over 32 years of extensive experience in the fields of geological investigation, mineral exploration, engineering geology, and institutional leadership.

Shri Ganvir joined GSI after completing his Master's degree in Geology from RTMU University, Nagpur on 1 July 1994. During his career, he has served in various scientific, technical, and administrative positions in the Central Region, North-Eastern Region, and Northern Region of GSI. Before taking over as Director General, he was serving as the Head of Department and Additional Director General of the Central Region at Nagpur, and he also held the additional charge of National Mission Head-II.

During his tenure, significant contributions have been made in fields such as geological mapping, mineral exploration, and engineering geology. He has worked on thematic mapping in the Western Bastar Craton, exploration of gold and diamonds in the Sakoli fold belt of Maharashtra, and geological studies associated with the conservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites Bhimbetka Rock Shelters and Ellora Caves. In addition, he has represented GSI at international forums such as the India-Peru Joint Working Group, Russia-India Mining Sub-Group, and IMARC 2022 in Australia.

As National Mission Head-II, Shri Ganvir was associated with mineral exploration work across the country along with the planning and supervision of multi-sectoral programs. Recently, he led a five-fold increase in the exploration of critical and strategic minerals. He also played an important role in preparing geological reports and exploration blocks for the mineral auction process. During his tenure, 359 geological reports and 377 geological memorandums were submitted. Out of these, 202 blocks were of critical minerals, of which 40 blocks have been successfully auctioned. Furthermore, 56 blocks were handed over under Exploration License (EL), out of which 11 blocks under Tranche I and II have been auctioned.

Taking charge as the new Director General, Shri Ganvir emphasized the importance of enhancing the scientific depth and national impact of GSI's work. His core priority is to accelerate the exploration of critical and strategic minerals through integrated geological investigations, advanced mineral prospectivity mapping, and the creation of scientifically robust mineral blocks. These efforts aim to strengthen the country's mineral security, reduce import dependency, and advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

He also stressed the need to utilize emerging technologies and advanced data analytics alongside field-based investigations. The integration of modern geological tools and methods is expected to improve the accuracy and efficiency of exploration. Strengthening laboratory infrastructure, enhancing analytical capabilities, and offshore exploration will also remain his key focus areas.

Along with mineral exploration, GSI will continue to strengthen its contribution in foundational geological research, landslide early warning, glacier and cryospheric studies, major infrastructure projects, and hazard assessment. These areas are crucial for policy formulation, infrastructure planning, disaster management, and sustainable development. For institutional growth, he highlighted the need to empower scientific personnel, promote innovation, recognize merit and performance, and strengthen coordination among National Missions, Regional Offices, and State Units.

Under the leadership of Shri Ganvir, GSI will work to strengthen India's mineral resource base, support infrastructure development, and contribute to the national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by focusing on scientific excellence, innovation, and collaboration.