Context: The Vice President of India, inaugurated the Geological Survey of India (GSI) Geoscience Museum in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh.
- It is India’s first national geology museum, showcasing a collection of mineral resources, rocks, fossils, and meteorites from across the country, all displayed in one place.
- The GSI has a collection of meteorites and tools used by early humans who lived between 800,000 and 10,000 years ago.
The museum features two main galleries:
- Gallery I: Planet Earth – Its Uniqueness in Diversity: Displays Earth’s wonders such as volcanoes, meteorites, and rare geological specimens like Antarctic rocks, gemstones, and dinosaur eggs. The gallery includes interactive models and multimedia exhibits.
- Gallery II: Evolution of Life on Earth: Chronicles the history of life, from ancient ecosystems to Homo sapiens, with fossils and exhibits that explore evolution and mass extinctions.
About Geological Survey of India (GSI)
- John McClelland used the term “Geological Survey of India” for the first time in 1848.
- GSI was officially established in 1851 to find coal deposits for Railways.
- GSI has grown into a major institution for geoscientific research, resource assessment, and hazard studies.
- The organization conducts its work through geological, geophysical, and geochemical surveys, employing the latest and most cost-effective techniques and methodologies.
- GSI is headquartered in Kolkata, with regional offices in Lucknow, Jaipur, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Shillong, and Kolkata.
- GSI operates as an attached office under the Ministry of Mines.