Majority of geoscience related programmes are highly field intensive and require different kinds of observational and test units. Though our country has one of the largest pools of geo-scientists in the world,however, no mechanism is there to address instrumentation and engineering for this science and service function. For most of our applications, we are depending upon importing the required equipments. With so much economic interest in stakes, like mining, Coal gasification, exploration of resources like geothermal energy, including instrumentation for geo-sciences, cannot and should not remain dependent forever.

The development and implementation of indigenous cutting-edge technologies is possible with integration of continued advance research in instrumentation, design and fabrication of state-of-the-art sensors, data acquisition system including digital communication etc. In order to achieve excellence in all major areas of geotechnology in a reasonable time frame, it requires organized planning and backup of institutions where indigenous development in instrumentation is one of the primary mandates.

a) Objectives:

To set up a Centre whose primary mandate would be geotechnology developments to cater national needs. The Centre shall promote advance research, design of geo-instrumentation and decide priority and time frame for geotechnology intervention

b) Participating Institutions:

National Centre for Seismology, Noida.

c) Implementation Plan:

1. Advance research and design of geo-instrumentation and priority fixation for geotechnology intervention.
2. Human Resource Development and Capacity Building in Inter-disciplinary specialization.
3. Inter-linkage with National Earth Science Institutions to identify up-coming technology needs with changing phase of earth sciences.
4. Networking with International Geotechnology Centres to remain front line partner in knowledge exchange and development.
5. Private-Public linkage for the development and commercialisation of technologies in SE Asia.
6. Technical service provider to Earth Science Institutions in training, commissioning, and helping in maintenance of field monitoring networks and analytical laboratories.
7. Highest priority will be given to areas where mass production and deployment of equipments have immediate social benefits.

The design and fabrication of the main sensors proposed under this category include Broad Band Seismometer for earthquake monitoring, accelerographs for strong motion recording, seismic switches for earthquake early warning system, strainmeter/ tiltmeter for landslide monitoring and early warning, etc. Satellite communication methods will be used for real-time data transmission to terrestrial monitoring stations, enabling effective monitoring of large areas and from far inaccessible regions. Design and fabrication of wireless geophones and heat pumps are also proposed to make modest beginning in deep imaging and exploitation of natural geothermal resource.

d) Deliverables:

Development of geotechnology for instruments, which are required in large numbers and have visible societal impact for upgrading the national field monitoring systems.

e) Budget requirement : 101.00 crores

(Rs. In crores)