GSI and NIRM Host Stakeholder Workshop on Pumped Storage Hydro Projects to Augment Green and Clean Energy

The Geological Survey of India (GSI) and National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM) jointly hosted a stakeholder workshop in Hyderabad focusing on the critical aspects of geology and geotechnical issues for ensuring safe and sustainable DPR of Pumped Storage Hydro Power Projects (PSPs).

Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Mines inaugurated the event by  lighting the lamp.  At the outset, he congratulated the organizers of the event i.e. GSI and INRM for bringing together different  Departments and Undertakings of Central Government and state Government, leading industry in power sector, developers and consultants.

Shri. V.L. Kantha Rao, highlighted the vast Geological/Geotechnical data generated by GSI over its journey of more than 172 years. He urged to consult GSI data through GSI portal and also through the recently launched NGDR portal which can prove to be of immense help for the developers of PSP and other hydro projects. Shri Rao called upon GSI to gear up to the demand from the industry and augment its in-house capacity in Mission IV to cater to desired quality output in a time bound manner.

The Secretary made a special mention of the contribution of NIRM on providing their inputs on the quality assessment of stones being used in the construction of Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. He further emphasized on the role the leading organizations of the Ministry of Mines viz. GSI and NIRM can play, in the development of PSP and also in the sector of Highway development.

He welcomed the suggestions made by the industry and developers and assured that GSI will make the best possible efforts in addressing the issues and suggest the optimization on the need and quality of the investigations/explorations required to fast track the clearance process of PSP.

Shri Rao mentioned that Ministry of Power, has rightly envisaged construction of large number of PSPs for augmenting another 47 GW of renewable clean and green energy by 2032 by adopting a new guideline of DPR formulation, appraisal, and construction by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA). He urged CWC, GSI and CEA to discuss the guidelines issued by CEA and review them if so desired in the interest of the PSP development.

Earlier, the inaugural session commenced with welcome address by Shri Janardan Prasad, DG, GSI, who emphasized the significance of the workshop. On behalf of GSI, he assured cooperation and technical assistance as and when required by the developers. Distinguished speakers from the Central Water Commission (CWC), National Institute of Rock Mechanics (NIRM), and industry leaders like Green shared their insights on the importance of PSPs in harnessing water resources and maintaining power balance in the country.

The technical sessions delved into geology and geotechnical details for safe and sustainable design, DPR evaluation guidelines, and requirements for approval. The discussions also explored advanced probing techniques, the role of geophysical methods, and lessons learned from completed PSPs.

The Concluding Session featured a panel discussion on optimizing geological investigations, framing recommendations, and the way forward.