Back to future: Hemant Soren

Ranchi, July 29: The state government has proposed to set up three geo-parks to exhibit its rare finds collected in the course of explorations and investigations by geologists.

A proposal in this regard with details of likely venues will soon be sent to the Centre. The idea to set up the geo- parks today took shape at a key meeting of Jharkhand State Geological Programming Board, chaired by mines secretary A.K. Sarkar in the presence of deputy chief minister Hemant Soren, who also holds the mines portfolio.

The daylong meeting at a city hotel was attended by senior representatives from Geological Survey of India, state director (geology) J.P. Singh, additional deputy director general Prabhash Pandey and deputy director general Shriniwas Madawasi, head of department of geology at ISM, Dhanbad, B.C. Sarkar, and officials from ONGC, CMPDI, MECL and NMDC, among others.

“In the course of our explorations, we have come across quite a few instances of rare geological features beneath the earth’s surface, which, if exhibited properly, will lure the masses. These are our treasures,” said Singh.

It is well known that Jharkhand’s contours are varied and boast some of the most ancient landmasses known to mankind.

Citing recent examples of geological discoveries, sources said some fossils had surfaced in course of silica mining in Sahebganj district. Collieries at Dudhianala in Ramgarh district offer some rare views.

Authorities, expectedly, also voiced their concern over the recent attacks on geological survey teams.

The incidents happened in West Singhbhum and Ramgarh, where villagers attacked government-employed geologists and field staff.

Investigations to unearth bauxite in the region are also getting hampered due to sporadic incidents of violence, it was pointed out.

Deputy chief minister Hemant, in his address, said Jharkhand, as one of the most important mining states, needed a conducive atmosphere for the explorations. “Let’s work on making matters sustainable for all, stakeholders” he said.

During the technical presentation session, the geology directorate also proposed diamond exploration work in Simdega and platinum in East Singhbhum.