Dinesh V. Ganvir Appointed 55th Director General of Geological Survey of India

Shri Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir took charge as the 55th Director General (DG) of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) on November 1, 2026. GSI is an attached department of the Ministry of Mines under the Government of India. During his over three decades of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration and engineering geology, Ganvir will take charge of strengthening India’s mineral security, increasing exploration of critical minerals and incorporating advanced technology into geoscientific investigations.

Dinesh V. Ganvir Appointed as 55th Director General of GSI

The Ministry of Mines has announced the appointment of Shri Dinesh V. Ganvir as 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India.

Ganvir was previously serving as the Additional Director General and Head of GSI’s Central Region (Nagpur). He was also holding the position of National Mission Head-II.

He was appointed to GSI on July 1st 1994. After completing his Master’s degree in Geology at Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU), Nagpur. He has experience in geological mapping, mineral exploration, engineering geology and multi-disciplinary geoscientific investigations.

Critical and Strategic Mineral Exploration

During his time as National Mission Head-II, he contributed to increasing the exploration of critical and strategic minerals within the GSI. In the last few years, there has been a five-fold increase in investigations into this area, according to the Ministry of Mines.

This has supported the creation of geological reports and blocks for mineral exploration to be put up for auction.

Some of his key successes include,

• Delivery of 359 Geological Reports.
• Delivery of 377 Geological Memorandums.
• Delivery of 202 critical mineral blocks; 40 blocks have been successfully auctioned.
• Delivery of 56 blocks under the EL (Exploration Licence) regime; 11 have been auctioned under Tranche I and II.
• This supports identifying resources required for industrial development, clean energy technologies and strategic sectors. Press Information Bureau+1

Key Focus Areas for the new GSI Director General

Following taking charge, Ganvir has identified a number of key areas to focus on.

• Critical Mineral Exploration
• Mineral Prospection Mapping
• Auction Ready Mineral Blocks
• Advanced Technology
• Upgraded Laboratories
• Offshore Exploration
• Disaster Management
• Scientific Investigation

These focus areas aim to improve mineral resources within India by increasing domestic availability, decreasing reliance on imports and supporting the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Press Information Bureau+1

Facts about Geological Survey of India (GSI)

GSI is Geoscientific body within India that deals with geological mapping and assessing mineral resources.

• Full Name: Geological Survey of India
• Abbreviation: GSI
• Date Established: 1851
• Founder of GSI: Sir Thomas Oldham
• Head Office: Kolkata, West Bengal
• Ministry of Administration: Ministry of Mines
• Status: Attached department
• Current DG: Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir
• DG Rank: 55th Director General

The GSI was formed in 1851 to explore and assess coal resources required to expand India’s rail network. The organisation has since grown to deal with geological mapping, mineral exploration, studying natural hazards and conducting basic geoscience. Press Information Bureau+2