Shri Dinesh Vitthalrao Ganvir has assumed charge as the 55th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), an attached office of the Ministry of Mines, Government of India. He brings over 32 years of experience in geological investigations, mineral exploration, and engineering geology to the role.
Prior to this appointment, Shri Ganvir served as Additional Director General and Head of Department, Central Region, Nagpur, while also holding the additional charge of National Mission Head-II. In this capacity, he was associated with planning and monitoring multidisciplinary field programs and nationwide mineral exploration. He spearheaded a five-fold increase in investigations for critical and strategic minerals and prepared geological reports and exploration blocks for mineral auctions. During his tenure, he facilitated the handover of 359 Geological Reports and 377 Geological Memorandums, with 202 blocks pertaining to critical minerals (40 successfully auctioned) and 56 blocks under the Exploration Licence regime (11 auctioned under Tranche I & II).
As Director General, Shri Ganvir emphasized enhancing the scientific depth and national impact of GSI's work. Key priorities include intensifying exploration for critical and strategic minerals through integrated geoscientific investigations, advanced mineral prospectivity mapping, and generating auction-ready mineral blocks. These efforts aim to support India's mineral security, reduce import dependence, and advance the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
He also highlighted the need to harness emerging technologies and advanced data analytics alongside field-based investigations to improve exploration precision and efficiency. Strengthening laboratory infrastructure, upgrading analytical capabilities, and offshore exploration will be additional focus areas. Beyond mineral exploration, GSI will continue contributions to fundamental geoscientific research, landslide early warning, glacial and cryospheric studies, major infrastructure projects, and hazard assessment. Institutional development priorities include empowering scientific personnel, fostering innovation, recognizing merit, and strengthening coordination among National Missions, Regional offices, and State Units.