1

DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINING

From Dr.R.Palaniswamy,I.A.S., Chairman, State Geological Programming Board and Commissioner of Geology and Mining , Guindy, Chennai- 600 032.

To 1. The General Manager (Geology),

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, No.8, Gandhi-Irvin Road, Egmore, Chennai 600 008.

2. The Deputy Director General, Geological Survey of India, A-2B Wing, Rajaji Bhavan, Besant Nagar, Chennai-90.

3. The Regional Controller of Mines, Indian Bureau of Mines, C-4-A, Rajaji Bhavan, CGO Complex, Besant Nagar, Chennai-90.

4. The Chairman & Managing Director, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, Dr.Baba Saheb Ambedkar Bhavan, High Land Drive Road, Seminary Hills, Nagpur- 440 006.

5. The Chairman & Managing Director, Neyveli Lignite Corporation Limited, Corporate Office, Block-I, Neyveli- 607 801.

6. The Chairman and Managing Director, Tvl.TAMIN, 31, Kamarajar Salai, TWAD House, Chennai- 600 005.

7. The Regional Director, Central Ground Water Board, South Eastern Coastal Region, E-1, C-Block, Rajaji Bhavan, Besant Nagar, Chennai – 600 090.

8. The Chief Engineer, WRO /PWD, State Ground and Surface Water, Resources Data Centre, Tharamani, Chennai – 600 113.

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9. Dr.R.Sivakumar, Associate Professor and Head of the Department, Department of Geology, Presidency College, Chennai – 600 005.

10. The Director, Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University, Chennai – 600 025.

Rc.No.8956/CO2/2015, dated 08.02.2017

Sir,

Sub: Department of Geology and Mining – 58th State

Geological Programming Board Meeting held on

27.12.2016 at 10.00AM at the Auditorium Hall,

Geological Survey of India, Guindy, Chennai –

Minutes of the meeting communicated - Regarding.

Ref: 1. Letter.No.CGPB-Sectt/55 CGPB/ 2015-16 dated 24.09.2015 from the Director, CGPB Secretariat, DDG, Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines, New Delhi-62.

2. This Office letter Rc.No.8956/CO2/2015, dated 15.12.2016 addressed to all members of the State Geological Programming Board, Tamilnadu.

*****

I herewith enclose the minutes of the meeting of 58th State Geological Programming Board held on 27.12.2016 at Auditorium Hall, Geological Survey of India, Guindy for taking necessary action.

Encl: As above

Sd/- Chairman, SGPB

and Commissioner of Geology and Mining

Forwarded / By Order

Additional Director of Geology and Mining

D:\Anandhi\CO2\CO2 2015\58TH SGPB Meeting Minutes on 27.12.2016.docx

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MINUTES OF THE 58TH STATE GEOLOGICAL PROGRAMMING BOARD

MEETING HELD ON 27.12.2016 AT GSI AUDITORIUM, CHENNAI.

The 58th State Geological Programming Board Meeting held on

27.12.2016 at Auditorium, Geological Survey of India, Guindy, Chennai was

chaired by Dr.R.Palanisamy, I.A.S., Commissioner of Geology and Mining.

The Deputy Director General, Geological Survey of India, senior officials

from Indian Bureau of Mines, Neyveli Lignite Corporation, Oil and Natural Gas

Commission, Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited, Central Ground Water

Board, State Ground and surface water data centre, Presidency College,

Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University and Department of Geology and

Mining participated in the Meeting.(List of participants annexed)

Thiru S.L. Chockalingam, Member State Geological Programming Board

& Joint Director, Department of Geology and Mining presented the Welcome

Address.

The Chairman, State Geological Programming Board in his inaugural

address welcomed all the delegates and elaborated about the activities of the

member organizations. The Chairman has informed that the aim of the SGPB

Meeting is to have close interaction with the state and central organizations for

fruitful and meaningful Geo-scientific and administrative partnership. The

Chairman requested the members to have an effective discussion for a

pragmatic and meaningful deliberations leading to proper conclusions and

decisions which will open new vistas in the arena of mineral wealth

management in the state with inclusive growth. Further, the Chairman has

stated that he look forward an informative deliberation to enrich the knowledge

talk.

Agenda item No.1: Confirmation of the Minutes of the 57th Meeting of State

Geological Programming Board.

The minutes of the 57th State Geological Programming Board Meeting

held on 23.01.2015 was confirmed by the Member Secretary, State Geological

Programming Board with the consent of all the members.

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Agenda item No.2: Presentations on summary of the work carried out by

the Member Organizations

2.1. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

Thiru. Jayanta Sarkar, Deputy General Manager (Geology) Oil and

Natural Gas Corporation gave a brief introduction of the earlier activities of

ONGC and progress of work carried out in Tamil Nadu during the period from

01.04.2014 to 30.09.2016.

2.1.1 Progress of work carried out during 01.04.2014 to 31.03.2015

During the period, 8 rigs were deployed and 21 number of wells were

drilled. Out of the 21 wells, Oil and Natural Gas has been identified in 15 wells

and remaining 6 wells were abandoned. The Deputy General Manager,

ONGC has informed the house that a royalty of Rs.272.10 crore has been

remitted by the ONGC for the production of 1191.57 MMSCM of Natural Gas

and 2,40,063 Metric Tonnes of Oil during the period from 01.04.2014 to

31.03.2015.

2.1.2 Progress of work carried out during 01.04.2015 to 31.03.2016

During the period 7 rigs were deployed and 20 wells were drilled. Out of

the 20 wells, Oil and Gas has identified in 13 wells, one well was inconclusive

and remaining 6 wells were abandoned. The Deputy General Manager, ONGC

has informed that a royalty of Rs.205.83 crore has been remitted by the ONGC

for the production of 1,010.247 MMSCM of Natural Gas and 2,54,095 Metric

Tonnes of Oil during the period from 01.04.2015 to 31.03.2016.

2.1.3 Progress of work carried out during 01.04.2016 to 30.09.2016

During the period 7 rigs were deployed and 9 wells were drilled. Out of

the 21 wells, Oil and Gas has been identified in 5 wells, one well was

inconclusive and remaining 3 were abandoned. The Deputy General Manager,

ONGC has informed that a royalty of Rs. 79.67 crore has been remitted by the

ONGC for the production of 463.134 MMSCM of Natural Gas, and 1,46,779

Metric Tonnes of Oil during the period from 01.04.2016 to 30.09.2016.

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2.1.4

The Deputy General Manager, ONGC has presented the salient features of

the work carried out by ONGC:

a. A total of eighteen exploratory and thirty two development wells were

drilled during this period 01.04.2014 to 30.09.2016.

b. An inplace accretion of 37.41 MMtOE has been achieved in the period

01.04.2014 to 30.09.2016.

2.1.5

The Deputy General Manager has also appraised the critical issues faced

by ONGC regarding the public having misconceived notion that ONGC is

engaged in CBM / Shale Gas exploitation, thereby stiff resistance to ONGC’s

activities have increased in the recent past. Since October 2015, ONGC Rigs

have been barricaded by the agitating elements and currently, in 3 rigs drilling

activities have come to a halt. Further, 3D seismic acquisition planned in

Manakkal area had to be called off and planned HF jobs in wells MY-1 & 2 was

stopped by villagers. Conducting ‘Public Hearing’ for environmental clearance

is often disrupted. Land Acquisition has become increasingly difficult as petty

land owners are reluctant to part with their land. Civil works (related to site

preparation) were stopped. Further, plan to monitor a few prospect were

derailed apart from enormous financial loss to ONGC. Expediting the grant of

Madanam mining lease was requested as it will increase oil production steeply.

In Ramnad area, laying of new Gas transportation pipeline will result in

increased Gas production. However, non-issuance of wild life clearance at

State board level is delaying the award of consent to operate (CTO) from State

Government, so that the exploratory and drilling plans of Cauvery Basin/Asset

continues to suffer.

2.1.6 While discussing the various constraints faced by the member

organizations, the Commissioner of Geology and Mining has advised the

ONGC officials to co-ordinate with district administration prior to any operation

so as to convince the local people about the activities to be undertaken and

highlight the compensatory measures for involving such lands and also

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suggested to have a separate wing in ONGC for good coordination with District

administration and local authorities.

With regard to the request of ONGC to expedite the grant of mining lease

in Madanam area, the Chairman has assured that the Government will take

active steps in the disposal of the mining lease application.

The Chairman requested all the Board Members to carryout the

geological investigation works in future only after notifying the same by the

State Government as mandated in the Act and Rules and also requested for

better co-ordination among the member organizations.

2.2 Geological Survey of India

2.2.1

Dr.S.Raju, Dy. Director General, GSI, Chennai gave an introduction on

the various activities of GSI under various Missions.

2.2.2

The Deputy Director General, Geological Survey of India has informed

that under Mission-I (Baseline Geo-science Data Generation) in Tamil Nadu an

area of 1,30,058 Sq. Km has been so far covered on 1:50K geological mapping,

an area of 43,443 Sq. Km covered by Specialized Thematic Mapping on 1:25K

(up to F.S.2015-16) and an area of 35,230 sq.km has been covered by National

Geo-chemical Mapping (NGCM) on 1:50000 scale by Geochemical Mapping

covering the all Obvious Geological Potential (OGP) area of Tamil Nadu.

2.2.3

The Deputy Director General has briefed about Mineral Exploration

activities under Mission-II (Natural Resource Assessment) and elaborated

about the occurrence, exploration and resource estimation of Metallic Minerals

like Gold, Platinum Group of Elements (PGE), Molybdenum, Iron Ore,

Chromite, Base metal, Bauxite and Non metallic minerals like Limestone,

Crystalline Limestone, Graphite, Gypsum, Silica Sand, Placer Minerals

Manganese, Dunite and Fossil Fuel (Lignite).

2.2.4

The Deputy Director General has appraised about the Mission-IV

activities i.e. Engineering Geology, Land slide, Quaternary and Environmental

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studies – Climate and ecosystem, Basic sciences – palaeontology and

petrological studies carried out by GSI in Tamil Nadu.

2.2.5

The Deputy Director General has proudly informed about the Mission-V

activities i.e. Parks & Museum and briefed about the four National Geological

Monuments in Tamil Nadu viz.,

1. Charnockite Type Area, Pallavaram, 2. Fossil wood Park, Sattanur, 3. Fossil wood Park, Tiruvakkarai and 4. Geoheritage Site of Karai-kulakkalnattam badlands topography

with cretaceous fossils, Perambalur district. In this regard, he requested the support of the Commissioner of Geology

and Mining and other State departments for the maintenance of these

Geological Monuments.

2.2.6

The Deputy Director General has also informed that GSI will be hosting

the International Geological Congress (IGC) during 2020 and a field excursion

transect – IV will be around the Neo-Proterozoic-Early Cambrian Accretionary

Tectonics in South India, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

2.2.7

The Deputy Director General has also appraised about the ongoing

activities of Geological Survey of India under these Missions and constraints

faced by the field officers in acquiring forest permission, local clearance, etc. In

this regard, the Commissioner of Geology and Mining and other officials of

Geology and Mining requested for a copy of the Field Season Program (FSP) of

Geological Survey of India to enable them to extend support for the field

activities of GSI. The DDG, GSI has informed that hereafter a copy of the FSP

of GSI will be provided to Department of Geology and Mining.

2.3 Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited

2.3.1

Thiru A.D.P. Rao, General Manager, Geology, Mineral Exploration

Corporation Limited has informed that a total of four promotional projects (MoM)

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Non Coal Projects explored by Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited for

Molybdenum in the State of Tamil Nadu during the review period from July,

2014 to September, 2016 and briefed about the geology, structure and

mineralization of the area viz.

1. Vellampatti South Block of Harur - Uthangarai Belt, Dharmapuri District, Tamilnadu,

2. Marudipatti Central Block of Harur - Uthangarai Belt, Dharmapuri District, Tamilnadu,

3. Mannadipatti Central Block of Harur - Uthangarai Belt, Dharmapuri District, Tamilnadu and

4. Vellampatti Central Block of Harur - Uthangrai Belt, Dharmapuri District, Tamilnadu.

2.3.2

The DDG, GSI has enquired about the status of drilling carried out by MECL

in Harur – Uthangarai Belt for Molybdenum investigations. The Deputy Director

General has also enquired about the outcome of the resources of Molybdenum

in this block. The MECL has informed that exploratory works have been

completed in first three blocks mentioned above and preparation of report is

under progress. With regard to the fourth block, drilling work is in progress.

2.3.3

Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited is carrying out promotional lignite

exploratory drilling works in East of Sethiathope Block, Vayalamur Block,

Chidambaram Block, Michaelpatti Ext. Block and Cholapuram Block of Tamil

Nadu. At present MECL is carrying out exploration in Cholapuram Block,

Kumbakonam.

MECL has reported that geological reports for Kadalangudi Block, East

of Sethiathope Block, Chidambaram Block was already submitted and proposed

to conduct exploration in Sikkal and Thiruppulani Blocks.

The Joint Director has enquired the MECL regarding the completion of

exploration of molybdenum blocks in Dharmapuri District and submission of

report to the State Government before December, 2016 as informed by them. In

this regard, MECL has informed that the report is likely to be submitted by the

end of January, 2017.

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2.4.0. Indian Bureau of Mines

2.4.1.

Thiru S.Thirunavukarasu, Sr.Mining Geologist, Indian Bureau of Mines

has informed that the Indian Bureau of Mines is primarily looking after the

conservation and scientific / systematic development of mineral resources other

than coal, petroleum and natural gas, atomic minerals and minor minerals.

The Indian Bureau of Mines shall enforce the Mineral Conservation and

Development Rules, 1988. Geological studies of selected mines with identified

problems to understand / highlight the seriousness and importance of mineral

conservation / development and issues for appropriate follow up at various

levels. Indian Bureau of Mines is also entrusted with the task of updation of

National Mineral Inventory at every five years.

2.4.2

The Senior Mining Geologist, Indian Bureau of Mines has informed that

during the year 01.07.2014 to 31.3.2015, 108 MCDR inspections and 114

Scheme of Mining inspections and 1 Mining Plan inspection and 5 other

miscellaneous inspections were carried out and as a result of inspection 50

violations were communicated to the lessees. Out of 20 mining plans received

during the period, 6 cases were approved and out of 150 mining schemes

received, 66 mining schemes were approved and 10 final mine closure plans

received were approved.

2.4.3

The Senior Mining Geologist, Indian Bureau of Mines has informed that

during the year 01.04.2015 to 31.03.2016, 69 MCDR inspection and 55 Scheme

of Mining inspections and 7 Mining Plan inspection and 2 other miscellaneous

inspections were carried out and as a result of inspection 30 violations were

communicated to the lessees. Out of 29 mining plans received during the

period, 24 cases were approved and out of 114 mining schemes received, 175

mining scheme approved and 2 final mine closure plans received were

approved.

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2.4.4

The Senior Mining Geologist, Indian Bureau of Mines has informed that

during the year 1.4.2016 to 30.9.2016, 11 MCDR inspection and 16 Sheme of

Mining inspections and 14 Mining Plan inspections and 3 other miscellaneous

inspections were carried out and as a result of inspection, 18 violations were

communicated to the lessees. Out of 14 mining plans received during the

period, 9 cases were approved and out of 16 mining schemes received 14

mining scheme approved and 2 final mine closure plans were approved.

2.4.5

The Senior Mining Geologist has informed that 23rd Mines Environment

and Mineral Conservation Week was celebrated during the month of February

2015. The South zone and North zone Mines inspection were conducted from

02.02.2015 to 17.02.2015 and 09.02.2015 to 15.02.2015 respectively and final

day function was hosted by M/s. Dalmia Cement (B) Limited , Dalmiapuram,

Trichy District on 15.02.2015.

2.4.6

The 24th Mines Environment and Mineral Conservation Week for the year

2015-16 in Tamil Nadu Region was celebrated from 01.02.2016 to 07.02.2016

in South zone and 08.02.2016 to 14.02.2016 in North zone and final day

function was held on 27.03.2016 at Govindapuram works of M/s. Ramco

Cements, Ariyalur.

2.4.7

During the period from 01.07.2014 to 31.03.2015, 4 No.of Garnet Sand

samples collected from Trichy District for mineralogical test were sent to Ore

Dressing Laboratory, Indian Bureau of Mines, Bangalore. All the 4 samples are

analyzed and reports were received.

2.4.8

During the year 2015-16, 41 beach/garnet sand samples collected from

Madurai, Kanyakumari, Tirunelveli, Trichy Districts for mineralogical test were

sent to ore dressing Laboratory, Indian Bureau of Mines, Bangalore. All the 41

samples are analyzed and reports were received.

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2.4.9

The Senior Mining Geologist, Indian Bureau of Mines has requested the

State Government to take action for fixing the lease boundaries by geo-

referencing the corners of the lease hold areas of major mineral leases.

The contribution towards NMET has to be updated by the State

Government in the web portal created by Government of India. With regard to

the surrender of mines, many of the lessees fail to surrender the lease hold

area and subsequently sell the lease hold area to third parties. This creates

difficulty in implementing the MCDR rules and therefore requested the State

Government to monitor the existing lessees in coordination with IBM for taking

further action by IBM.

2.5 Neyveli Lignite Corporation India Limited

2.5.1

Dr.T.Kannadasan, Chief General Manager presented about the Mineral

Investigation proposals for ensuring field season independently and also in

collaboration with other agencies, year wise details of investigation carried out

and points for inclusion in the agenda of the 58th State Geological Programming

Board. He highlighted that the Geology Division of NLC has carried out

technical supervision of promotional exploration work carrying out by MECL in

parts of Tamilnadu, detailed exploration work in South of Vellar block,

Cuddalore district through contractual agency, implementation of Integrated

Lignite Resources Information System (ILRIS) on behalf of Ministry of Coal,

Govt. of India, monitoring of hydro-geological condition of Neyveli basin through

groundwater quality assessment and groundwater level observations and

miscellaneous activities related to lignite mining.

2.5.2

The Chief General Manager, Geology and Mining has informed that the

NLC had carried out Regional Ground Water Monitoring in Neyveli Hydro

Geological Basin during July-2014 to September 2016 and compliance report

was submitted to MoEF&CC and CGWB for the Mines & TPS projects. Land

use & Land cover and Hydro-geomorphology study was carried out in mine

lease hold area of NLC for the period from 2012 to 2014 and submitted the

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report to MOEF&CC. For the purpose of monitoring of regional groundwater

level and quality, 14 Nos . of additional observation wells were planned to be

established in the neyveli Hydrogeological basin and work is under progress. In

addtion, preparatory works such as establisjhment of Pumping wells 2 Nos.)

and observation wells (6 Nos.) for carrying out Pumping tests in new Mine-III is

under progress.

2.5.3

The Chief General Manager, Geology and Mining informed that NLC is

paying Rs.583.33 crores towards royalty to the Government of Tamilnadu for

mining of lignite, ball clay, Silica sand and also paid 2% of the royalty of Rs.8.10

crore towards NMET for the period from 2014-15 to 2016-17 (upto September).

2.5.4

The Chief General Manager, Geology and Mining requested the Dept of

Geology & Mining to expedite the following:

1. NLCIL submitted applicaiton for renewal of mining lease on

04.12.2015 w.e.f. 06.12.2016. It is requested to expediate

the ML application at the earliest.

2. Disposal of pending Audit paras mentioned in the Mining

Due Clearcnece Certificate isued to NLCIL for the period

2014-15.

3. Permission to mine ball clay, silica sand, other clays from

lignite mines by considering the existing mining elase

obtained for lignite

4. To pay the 30 % of royalty to DMF, a separate Head of

Account may be provided to NLCIL since the payment is

effecting from 02.10.2015

5. Online facility may be provided to NLCIL for payment of

Royalty and other funds

6. MECL is carrying out promotional lignite Exploration in

parts of Tamil andu funded by Ministry of Coal since 1990.

At present MECL is carrying out exploration in Cholapuram

Block, near Kumbakonam and facing some public agitation

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in continuing the said works as it was mistakenn for CBM

exploration. Hence it is requsted to extend necessary help

to MECL through District administration for smooth

Execution of work.

2.5.5

With regard to the pending mining lease applications and other issues,

the Chairman suggested to followup the pending issues with the concerned

district officials for timely completion.

2.6.0. TAMIL NADU MINERALS LIMITED

2.6.1

Thiru E.Ganesan, Deputy Manger, (Mining Lease) of TAMIN presented

about the Molybdenum Project and M.Sand Project. Regarding Molybdenum

project, he informed that Government of India, Government of Tamil Nadu and

TAMIN have jointly carried out the exploration of Molybdenite in the Vellampatti

south block, Harur Taluk of Dharmapuri District by spending 6.84 Crore.

M/s.MECL has submitted the techno economic feasibility report stating that the

Velampatty south block cannot be viable unless further exploration is done.

GSI, MECL and IBM discussed to conduct further study to establish potentiality

to exploit commercially. The Additional Chief Secretary to Government,

Industries department convened a Joint Meeting with various Government

agencies along with senior officials of IBM, GSI, MECON and TAMIN. GSI has

carried out the Deep Borehole Drilling work at Uttangarai and submitted the

report to TAMIN on “the Reconnoiter Exploitation for Molybdenum in the

extension areas of Uttangarai Sector covering 14.45 kms in 3 sub areas.

Based on the recommendations of GSI, MECL had opened an exploratory mine

on behalf of TAMIN in the southern part of HUB in Velampatti south Block. GSI

established 3 controls viz., 1. Zone of Shearing (ZoS) [23 km x 100m - 250m]

consists of (a) Main Shear zone (b) Synthetic shear Zone, 2.Quarz vein/reef,

3. Shear foliation and fracture planes surrounding the Quartz vein/ reef.

2.6.2

M/s. MECON submitted the Feasibility Report that the mineable reserve

has been assessed as 1.01 million tonnes with a mine capacity @225 tonnes

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per day by floatation technique. The life of the Molybdenum will be lasting for

15-20 years. As suggested by M/s. MECON that the project needs an

investment of about Rs.53 crore for 225 tonnes per day plant and the

implementation will be taken a minimum period of 27 months from zero date.

Hitherto, a total sum of Rs. 6.84 Crs have been spent. (Government of India :

3.92 Crore + Government of TamilNadu : 1.80 crore + TAMIN : 1.12 crore =

6.84 Crore] GSI is of the opinion that further investigation can be taken up in

the interest of the nation to prove the Molybdenum reserves as well as viability

of the Project. While concluding the meeting by Additional Chief Secretary to

Government Industries Department it was informed that further funding from the

State Government is not possible considering the viability of project at this

juncture. It was decided to address to the Ministry of Mines, Government of

India, emphasizing the need for further explorative works to be carried out by

GSI, MECL at Harur taluk, Dharmapuri district.

2.6.3

While appraising about the M-Sand Proposals, he informed that TAMIN

proposed to set up manufactured sand factories in 4 different parts of State.

M/s.ITCOT, Chennai has been awarded to study and submit a technical and

economical feasibility report in M-sand. The Board of TAMIN while noting the

feasibility report of M/s. ITCOT Ltd, desired that the proposal be submitted to

Government for approval, for implementing the project through a public private

partnership / Joint Venture mode in four different parts of the State. TAMIN

identified charnaockite quarries in S.F.No.194/1 of Reddiyarpatty village,

Alvarkurichi village, Tirunelveli District. Mahindravadi in Vellore District,

Suriyanagaram in Tiruthani Taluk, Tiruvallur District, Vellithangipuram in

Arakkonam Taluk, Krishnasamuthiram, Kattukuppam, Karnavur and

Kuthampakkam in Vellore District for manufacture of sand. The Board of

TAMIN has directed to look into various aspects of implementing the project

through PPP mode and the estimated total cost of project excluding working

capital Rs.1415 lakhs.

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2.6.4

The Deputy Manger, (Mining Lease) of TAMIN has informed that the total

sale of minerals like Granite, products of granite, graphite, vermiculite,

limestone, etc. by TAMIN during 2015-16 is Rs.14934.01 lakhs. The

contribution of TAMIN to Government during 2015-16 is Rs.1,718.65 lakhs and

net profit is Rs,1,499/- lakhs and profit before tax is Rs.2,306 lakhs.

2.7.0. Central Ground Water Board

2.7.1

The Scientist-D, CGWB has informed that Groundwater level monitoring is

being carried out 4 times in a year (May, August, November and January)

throughout the State by the CGWB. In total 1439 wells are being monitored

(Dugwells: 869 Peizometers:570) and the groundwater quarterly bulletin is

circulated to all the line State Government departments. As part of the CGWB

activities Groundwater Quality Monitoring - Hydrochemistry is being carried out.

In this Groundwater samples are collected from the monitoring wells during pre-

monsoon period (May) every year and are analyzed for major and minor ions

including Fluoride and Nitrate. Also, groundwater samples are analyzed for

heavy metals for special pollution studies. During the period, 3264 nos. of

groundwater samples have been analyzed in the CGWB, SECR, Chemical

Laboratory, Chennai. The analyzed groundwater quality data have been used

for aquifer mapping. Groundwater Pollution Studies were carried out in the

Industrial Clusters of Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Mettur, Manali, Vellore and

Cuddalore and the report were shared with the State Government

departments.

2.7.2

In the course of Geophysical Studies, Surface Geophysical Investigations

for Aquifer Mapping: 411 (Vertical Electrical Sounding) is being carried out by

CGWB and in this Subsurface Geophysical Investigations such as Resistivity

Logging in pilot boreholes drilled during groundwater exploration in soft rock

areas and Resistivity logging were carried out in hard rocks to decipher the

fracture zones. Groundwater (Dynamic) Resources Estimation is being carried

out by CGWB. The Dynamic Groundwater Resources assessment as on March

2013 was carried out for the State of Tamil Nadu (1139 firkas) and the

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assessment is repeated once in two years. For the State of Tamilnadu, the

exercise was carried out jointly by CGWB, Government of India and State

Ground and Surface water Resources data centre, PWD, Government of Tamil

Nadu. The report (March 2013) is approved by State level committee and

submitted to central level committee for approval.

2.7.3

Under Hydrology Project aquifer mapping was carried out in parts of

lower vellar water shed, Cuddalore coastal aquifer system. Exploratory wells

were drilled to demarcate the vertical and lateral extent of multi - aquifer system

occurring within the Cuddalore coastal aquifer system. Piezometers tapping the

different aquifer (I, II, III, IV) were constructed and monitored monthly. It is

inferred from the study, that multi-layered aquifer system exists (ie. 4 aquifer

units) within the pilot project area (Lower vellar water shed, Cuddalore dist).

The study has been successfully completed and report is available for

implementation to user agencies. Numerical modeling study carried out by

CGWB revealed the aquifer is under stress due to industrial and agricultural

pumping. Further, the study reveal any pumping activity from coast to 10km

inland should be monitored and piezometric head/water level should also be

monitored continuously. Heavy and continuous pumping in these zones shall

invite sea water intrusion; the study concluded that Cuddalore coastal aquifer

system is the most potential aquifer in the State. Aquifer management Plan has

been developed for the Cuddalore coastal aquifer system. As the peizometric

head near the coast had declined from ground level to – 30 m below mean sea

level, pumping in these zones shall invite sea water intrusion.

2.7.4

National Aquifer Mapping is being carried out in three aquifer system

viz., Upper Ponnaiyar Aquifer system, Upper Cauvery Aquifer system and

Amaravathy aquifer system. The aquifer mapping study involves integration of

ground water related data, identification of data gap, deciphering the vertical

and lateral aquifer system.

The representatives from ONGC have enquired whether the CGWB has

any map showing the ground water contamination of Fluoride, Selenium and

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Arsenic. In this regard, the Scientist –D has informed that CGWB having map

showing fluoride contamination in the ground water.

2.8.0. State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre Board

2.8.1

Thiru P. Chandrasekar, Assistant Director, SG & SWRDC informed that

Ground Water Level monitoring is being carried out by this department every

month from 3170 observations wells and 1558 piezometers from entire Tamil

Nadu. He appraised the studies of the departments on various maters like,

Water Quality, Sea Water – Fresh Water interface study, Re-assessment of

Replenishable Ground Water Resource, and other activities like Ground water

Clearance (NOC), Consultancy services rendered to farmers, general public,

industries and Government Departments and Data dissemination.

2.8.2 Water Quality:

Water Quality analysis is being carried out from 2482 samples (Yearly

Twice) collected from the Ground water wells for Pre monsoon and Post

monsoon period every year. In this analysis 36 parameters are being analyzed

including major Ions and Pollution parameters.

2.8.3 Sea Water – Fresh Water Interface Study:

Sea Water Intrusion study has been systematically carried out from 2007

onwards by this department for the coastal length of 1076 Km in Tamil Nadu.

For this study, water level is being taken from 224 wells located in the coastal

belt every month exclusively and water samples are collected for Pre and Post

Monsoon periods.

2.8.4 Re-Assessment of Replenishable Ground water Resources:

Based on the data collected from different methods, the availability of

Dynamic Ground Water Potential is assessed as per the norms issued by the

Ground water Estimation Committee (GEC) 1997 in coordination with Central

Ground water Board (CGWB), Government of India. The ground water

Assessment was carried out for every two years, taking revenue firka as a Unit,

instead of Blocks, from 2011 onwards. Accordingly 1129 revenue firka falling in

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32 districts of the State is categorized as 374 over exploited, 48 critical, 235

semi critical, 437 safe and 35 as saline firkas as per 2011 assessment. The

Assessment for the year 2013 and 2015 are under progress. Government of

Tamil Nadu has banned the ground water development in over exploited and

critical firka.

2.8.5 Ground Water Clearance (NOC):

For ground water clearance is being issued by this department for the

water based and non water based industries located in the safe and semi

critical firka by adopting the spacing norms between wells and the quantity of

water available is assessed by conducting Pumping test as per Government

Orders.

2.8.6 Consultancy Services:

Consultancy Service is being rendered to farmers, general public,

Industries and Government departments for selecting suitable site for drilling

borewells / digging open wells based on the Hydro geological and geophysical

Survey results. Analysis of Water samples for its suitability to various uses for

Public and other agencies.

2.9.0 Presidency College. 2.9.1 Dr.R.Sivakumar, HOD, Geology Department, Presidency College,

Chennai briefed about the academic activities and research activities carried

out during the period July, 2014 to September, 2016. He further informed that

the Department of Geology, Presidency College has conducted various

workshops on Oil exploration, rainwater harvesting, recent advancements in

Geology etc.

2.9.2

Dr.R.Sivakumar requested the members of SGPB to participate in all the

forthcoming events of Department of Geology, Presidency College and to

coordinate the department with the same as 125th year Commemorative

gesture. He requested for generation of special funds for the infrastructure

19

development including the age old museum in the geology department to mark

the Quasqui-centennial (125) year celebrations.

Further, he conveyed that most of the countries are celebrating Earth

Science week. Likewise, he suggested to constitute a committee to conduct

State Level Earth System Science Awareness Week Program every year in

the month of August(3rd to 9th) concurring with Aadi (Tamil Month) festival,

Aadiperukku (Aadi 18th) festival with rain water harvesting as the theme for Day

1 in all the schools and colleges, followed by other themes like soil, rocks,

minerals etc., in association with all the Government Arts and Science Colleges

and SGPB members, in all the districts of Tamil Nadu with Mobile Van

Exhibition of Geological materials and models.

2.9.3

Dr.R.Sivakumar has also suggested to plan PRE-IGC 2020, an event

with the aim to create geo-science awareness to every member of the society

before the commencement of International Geological Congress – 2020 at New

Delhi which he requested to host at Presidency College, Chennai.

He also requested to introduce student summer internships for under

graduate and post graduate students with stipend in all the SGPB member

organizations.

He also insisted upon the critical need to introduce geology subject in

Tamil Nadu Teacher Education Universities and Colleges and in Schools as in

neighboring States in order to make the fundamentals of geology a

compulsory part of science to all future civil servants, engineers, doctors,

scientists, farmers, lawyers, etc.

2.10 Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University

2.10.1

Dr.R.Murugasan, Associate Professor, IRS appraised the activities of

Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University during the period from July, 2014

to September, 2016. The DDG, GSI requested for sharing of Satellite

Imageries from IRS for the work carried out by GSI and accepted to part with

the data. The Chairman suggested that data can be shared among the SGPB

members without cost as a mark of knowledge sharing. In this regard, the

20

representative of IRS has informed that raw data of satellite imageries can be

processed at IRS itself by the members of the board as the data were

purchased from National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) by IRS on single

user license.

However, the Chairman has suggested obtaining permission from

Government of India to share the data to government agencies on free of cost

may be considered.

2.11 Department of Geology and Mining

2.11.1

Thiru M.K.Somasekar, Joint Director, Geology and Mining has informed

that the Mineral Exploration, Mineral Administration and Geotechnical Studies in

the State are the primary functions of the department. The Mineral exploration

carried out by the department during the past lead to the establishment of

several mineral based industries in the State.

2.11.2

With regard to the Geotechnical studies in the hill tracks of Nilgiris and

Kodaikanal, the Joint Director has informed that the Geo-technical Centre,

Kodaikanal during the period 01.07.2014 to 31.03.2015 has furnished 3

inspection reports in Kodaikanal and 123 inspection reports in Nilgiris for site

clearance on geotechnical point of view. Further during the period 01.04.2015

to 31.03.2016, the centre has inspected and furnished inspection reports for 8

sites in Kodaikanal and 94 sites in Nilgiris and for the period from 01.04.2016 to

30.09.2016, the center has inspected and furnished reports for 2 sites in

Kodaikanal and 48 sites in Nilgiris.

2.11.3

The revenue realized by the department from the mineral sector during

the year 2014-2015 was Rs.993.63 crore and during the year 2015-2016 was

Rs.1007.74 crore. For the financial year 2016-17 (up to September 2016) the

revenue realized was Rs.378.72 crore.

21

2.11.4

The Government have sanctioned Rs.108 lakhs for the creation of Online

Mining Tenement Registry for the nine districts viz., Coimbatore, Salem,

Tirunelveli, Ariyalur, Krishnagiri, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Villupuram and

Virudhunagar. The preparation of Mining Tenement Registry for Coimbatore,

Salem and Tirunelveli districts have been completed for major minerals and

granite. The development of application has been deployed in the department

servers placed at TamilNadu State Data Centre and it is linked under the

domain name https://www.omtrs.tn.gov.in.

2.11.5 E-Permit System

The department has decided to establish an online electronic permit

issuing system called e-permit system and accordingly, the work has been

entrusted to Tvl. ELCOT Limited and in turn Tvl.ELCOT Limited selected the

agency Tvl.Infinium Solutionz Ltd. for the development and completion of the

application software.

2.11.6 Mining Surveillance System (MSS)

On 15th October 2016, the Hon’ble Minister of Coal, Power, New &

Renewable Energy and Mines have launched the satellite based monitoring

system viz., Mining Surveillance System (MSS), which can trigger for any

mining activity in the vicinity of the existing major mineral mining areas, from

New Delhi. The system has been developed by Ministry of Mines through

Indian Bureau of Mines (IBM) in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya Institute of

Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG), Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat and

Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MEITY) under Digital India

Programmer with a vision to establish a responsive mineral administration by

curbing illegal mining activity through automatic remote sensing detection

technology. Further, a user friendly mobile app has also been developed by the

Government of India with an aim to establish participative monitoring system

where citizen also use and report unusual mining activity in their vicinity. The

Mining Surveillance System (MSS) facilitates to curb the incidences of illegal

mining of major minerals in an area within 500 mts radius from the existing

mining lease boundaries by superimposing the latest satellite imageries

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(CARTOSAT and USGS) on the geo-referenced cadastral maps of mining lease

areas and checking for any unusual activities constantly.

Vote of Thanks

Thiru.M.Kandan, Joint Director, Department of Geology and Mining has

thanked all the Members for their active participation in the discussions and

thanked the Deputy Director General, Geological Survey of India for hosting the

58th State Geological Programming Board Meeting in a grand manner.

Sd/-

Chairman, SGPB and Commissioner of Geology and Mining

Forwarded / By Order

Additional Director of Geology and Mining

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23

Annexure

List of Participants

Sl.No

Name of the Participant with Designation

Organization

1. Dr.R.Palanisamy, I.A.S., Chairman, SGPB and Commissioner of Geology and Mining

Department of Geology and Mining

2. Thiru.S.L.Chockkalingam, Member Secretary, SGPB and Joint Director

-do-

3. Thiru.M.Kandan, Additional Director

-do-

4. Thiru.M.K.Somasekar, Joint Director

-do-

5. Thiru.S.Raju, Deputy Director General

Geological Survey of India

6. Thiru.P.Srinivasan, Director

-do-

7. Thiru.S.N.Mariappan, Senior Geologist

-do-

8. Thiru.R.Vijay kumar, Superintending Geologist

-do-

9. Thiru.P.Vasu, Senior Geologist

-do-

10. B.Vishnupriya, Senior Pvt. Secretary

-do-

11. Thiru.S.Paranjothi, Assistant Geologist

-do-

12. Thiru.Jayantha Sarkar, Deputy General Manager (Geology)

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation

13. Thiru.A.K.Gopinath, Deputy General Manager (Geology)

-do-

14. Thiru.T.K.Bharatee, Superintendent Geophysicist (S)

-do-

15. Dr.T.Kannadasan, Chief General Manager (Geology)

NLC India Limited

16. Thiru.S.Thirunavukkarasu, Senior Mining Geologist

Indian Bureau of Mines

17. Thiru.Phaulthurairajhen, Assistant Mining Geologist

-do-

18. Thiru.K.Azhahia Nambi, Scientist-D

Central Ground Water Board

19. Thiru.K.Ramanand, Scientist-D

-do-

20. Thiru.P.Chandrasekar, Assistant Director

State Ground and Surface Water Resources Data Centre

24

21. Dr.R.Murugasan, Associate Professor

Institute of Remote Sensing, Anna University

22. Thiru.K.Srinivasan, Associate Professor

-do-

23. Dr.R.Sivakumar, Associate Professor and Head of the Department

Presidency College

24. Thiru.A.D.P.Rao, General Manager (Geology)

Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited

25. Thiru.E.Ganesan, Deputy Manager (Mining leases)

Tvl.TAMIN Ltd

26. Thiru.R.Kalaiselvam, Manager (Personal and Administration)

-do-

27. Thiru.S.Sudarsanam, Deputy Director Department of Geology and Mining

28. Thiru.P.Chinnamarudu, Deputy Director -do- 29. Thiru.A.Kalaiselvan, Deputy Director -do-

30. Thiru.N.Ramesh, Deputy Director -do- 31. Thiru.Sivaji, Deputy Director -do- 32. Mrs.V.Aruna, Deputy Director -do- 33. Mrs.Deepa, Deputy Director -do- 34. Mrs.Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Director -do- 35. Mrs.Vijiayachitra,

Deputy Director (Chemist) -do-

36. Thiru.N.R.Balasubramaniam, Assistant Director

-do-

37. Mrs.Kavitha,Senior Chemist -do- 38. Thiru.Giridharan, Senior Chemist -do- 39. Thiru.Saravanan, Senior Chemist -do- 40. Thiru.Joseph Devanand

(PA Non-technical) -do-

41. Mrs.C.Chithra, Accounts Officer -do- 42. Mrs.K.V.Sumathi, Assistant Director -do-

43. Thiru.A.John James, Assistant Director -do- 44. Ms.K.Elayaselvi, Assistant Director -do- 45. Thiru.Gnanavel, Assistant Director -do-

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