DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY AND MINING

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.

2 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 58 th State Geological Programming Board held on 27.12.2016 at Auditorium Hall, Geological Survey of India, Guindy for taking necessary action. Encl: As above Forwarded / By Order Sd/- Chairman, SGPB and Commissioner of Geology and Mining Additional Director of Geology and Mining D:\Anandhi\CO2\CO2 2015\58TH SGPB Meeting Minutes on 27.12.2016.docx

3 MINUTES OF THE 58 TH STATE GEOLOGICAL PROGRAMMING BOARD MEETING HELD ON 27.12.2016 AT GSI AUDITORIUM, CHENNAI. The 58 th 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 57 th Meeting of State Geological Programming Board. The minutes of the 57 th 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.

4 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.

5 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

6 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

7 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)

8 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. 2.3.2 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. 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.

9 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.

10 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 23 rd 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 24 th 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.

11 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 georeferencing 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 58 th 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

12 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

13 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

14 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.

15 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 premonsoon 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

16 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

17 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

18 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 125 th 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(3 rd to 9 th ) concurring with Aadi (Tamil Month) festival, Aadiperukku (Aadi 18 th ) 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 15 th 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

22 (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 58 th 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 D:\Anandhi\CO2\CO2 2015\58TH SGPB Meeting Minutes on 27.12.2016.docx

23 Annexure List of Participants Sl. Name of the Participant No with Designation 1. Dr.R.Palanisamy, I.A.S., Chairman, SGPB and Commissioner of Geology and Mining 2. Thiru.S.L.Chockkalingam, Member Secretary, SGPB and Joint Director 3. Thiru.M.Kandan, Additional Director 4. Thiru.M.K.Somasekar, Joint Director 5. Thiru.S.Raju, Deputy Director General 6. Thiru.P.Srinivasan, Director 7. Thiru.S.N.Mariappan, Senior Geologist 8. Thiru.R.Vijay kumar, Superintending Geologist 9. Thiru.P.Vasu, Senior Geologist 10. B.Vishnupriya, Senior Pvt. Secretary 11. Thiru.S.Paranjothi, Assistant Geologist 12. Thiru.Jayantha Sarkar, Deputy General Manager (Geology) 13. Thiru.A.K.Gopinath, Deputy General Manager (Geology) 14. Thiru.T.K.Bharatee, Superintendent Geophysicist (S) 15. Dr.T.Kannadasan, Chief General Manager (Geology) 16. Thiru.S.Thirunavukkarasu, Senior Mining Geologist 17. Thiru.Phaulthurairajhen, Assistant Mining Geologist 18. Thiru.K.Azhahia Nambi, Scientist-D 19. Thiru.K.Ramanand, Scientist-D 20. Thiru.P.Chandrasekar, Assistant Director Organization Department of Geology and Mining Geological Survey of India Oil and Natural Gas Corporation NLC India Limited Indian Bureau of Mines Central Ground Water Board 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 23. Dr.R.Sivakumar, Presidency College Associate Professor and Head of the Department 24. Thiru.A.D.P.Rao, General Manager (Geology) Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited 25. Thiru.E.Ganesan, Tvl.TAMIN Ltd Deputy Manager (Mining leases) 26. Thiru.R.Kalaiselvam, Manager (Personal and Administration) 27. Thiru.S.Sudarsanam, Deputy Director Department of Geology and Mining 28. Thiru.P.Chinnamarudu, Deputy Director 29. Thiru.A.Kalaiselvan, Deputy Director 30. Thiru.N.Ramesh, Deputy Director 31. Thiru.Sivaji, Deputy Director 32. Mrs.V.Aruna, Deputy Director 33. Mrs.Deepa, Deputy Director 34. Mrs.Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Director 35. Mrs.Vijiayachitra, Deputy Director (Chemist) 36. Thiru.N.R.Balasubramaniam, Assistant Director 37. Mrs.Kavitha,Senior Chemist 38. Thiru.Giridharan, Senior Chemist 39. Thiru.Saravanan, Senior Chemist 40. Thiru.Joseph Devanand (PA Non-technical) 41. Mrs.C.Chithra, Accounts Officer 42. Mrs.K.V.Sumathi, Assistant Director 43. Thiru.A.John James, Assistant Director 44. Ms.K.Elayaselvi, Assistant Director 45. Thiru.Gnanavel, Assistant Director D:\Anandhi\CO2\CO2 2015\58TH SGPB Meeting Minutes on 27.12.2016.docx