The Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines, is going to host 65^th Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) meeting on 21^st January 2026 at A. P. Shinde Symposium Hall, ICAR, Pusa, New Delhi. This pivotal event will bring together key stakeholders from the Central Ministries, State Governments, Industry, Academia and mining sectors to deliberate on geoscientific advancements, mineral exploration strategies, and solutions to challenges, including new initiatives in clean energy, geohazards, and sustainable development.

The Central Geological Programming Board (CGPB) is an important platform of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Ministry of Mines wherein the Annual Field Season Program (FSP) of GSI is placed for discussion and to avoid duplication of work.  The members of CGPB and other stakeholders like State Governments, Central/ State Government Mineral Exploration Agencies, PSUs and Private Entrepreneurs place their requests for collaborative work with GSI. Based on the priorities set by the Government of India and the importance and urgency of proposals presented by the members and stakeholders, the Annual Programme of GSI for survey & mapping, exploration, Research and Development, multidisciplinary catering to societal projects and training & capacity building programmes during the forthcoming financial year is given a final shape after due discussion and deliberations held at the topmost level at CGPB meeting.

The 65^th CGPB meeting will be held under the Chairmanship of Shri Piyush Goyal, Secretary, Ministry of Mines in the august presence of Shri Asit Saha, Director General, GSI, and Shri Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, along with senior representatives from the Ministry of Mines, GSI, State geological departments, PSUs, and private exploration/mining companies.

The deliberations in the meeting will focus on the issues faced by the mineral sector in the country that includes:

• Exploration of critical minerals such as Lithium, REEs, Graphite, PGE, Vanadium, Scandium, Cesium, etc., aligned with national priorities on energy transition and Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Adoption of modern exploration tools like AI/ML-based data integration, geophysical surveys, hyperspectral remote sensing, deep drilling, and mineral system studies.
• Pre-competitive data sharing and collaborative exploration models, especially for critical and strategic minerals, to optimize national resources, reduce duplication, and accelerate transition from exploration to auction-ready blocks.
• Landslide Hazard Zonation and slope stability studies, for disaster risk reduction, especially in Himalayan and NE states.

In the meeting GSI’s Annual Programme for FS 2026-27, comprising 1,068 rigorously peer-reviewed projects across various disciplines of earth-sciences with major emphasis on mineral exploration will also be placed. The programme underscores innovation and sustainability, with expanded thrust on critical minerals, carbon sequestration studies, offshore exploration, and public good geosciences. The meeting will also feature the release of key publications of the Geological Survey of India by the dignitaries and an exhibition showcasing the activities of GSI especially in the sphere of Strategic & Critical mineral exploration.

The CGPB meeting will serve as a collaborative and coordinating platform to align national geoscientific priorities with global sustainability goals, advancing India's vision of innovation and resource security.

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Prajith Kumar