Operations and Mineral Resources of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

OPERATIONS: TAMIL NADU AND PUDUCHERRY
INTRODUCTION
Tamil Nadu is located in the southeastern part of the Indian Peninsula between 08°00'
and 13°30' N and 76°00' and 80°18' E. The State covers a total area of 1,30,058 sq km. The
Union Territory of Puducherry is located on the East Coast, about 160 km south of Chennai and
occupies an area of 492 sq km. Archaean to late Proterozoic crystalline rocks occupy about 80%
of the area. Phanerozoic sedimentary rocks and Quarternary sediments cover the rest of the area,
mainly along the coastal belt. Rocks of Charnockite and Khondalite Groups and their migmatitic
derivatives, supracrustal sequences of Sathyamangalam and Kolar Groups and Peninsular
Gneissic Complex, intruded by mafic– ultramafic complexes, basic dykes, granites and syenites
comprise the hard rock terrain (1,07,799 sq km). The sedimentary rocks of the coastal belt
include fluviatile, fluvio-marine and marine sequences ranging in age from Carboniferous to Mio-
Pliocene and sediments of Quaternary age. The chief mineral resources of Tamil Nadu are fossil
fuels (lignite, petroleum and natural gas), metalliferous minerals (iron ore, bauxite, gold,
platinum, molybdenum and poly-metallic sulphides) and non-metallic and industrial minerals
(limestone, dimension stone, magnesite, ceramic raw materials, graphite, gypsum, heavy mineral,
silica sands, vermiculite, quartz, feldspar and gemstones). There is scope for getting coal bed
methane in the deep level lignite beds.
Systematic geological mapping on 1:63,360 / 50,000 of both hard rock and Quaternary
sediments was completed by 1979-80 and 1988-89 respectively. This has yielded a wealth of
basic data, based on which, areas of geological and economic significance were taken for follow-
up.
Programmes listed in this document are formulated in accordance with the Department's
priorities as per XI Plan document, recommendations of the Central and State Geological
Programming Boards and in tune with the decisions taken by Stage Review and Mid-Term
Review Committees of GSI.
During F.S. 2007-08, the headquarters activities in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
are directed mainly towards consolidating the geological database that includes compilation of
1:50K geological maps and creation of theme based data base (Geoinformatics) apart from
lending service support to various on-going field activities. The field activities include
Specialised Thematic Mapping, Mineral Investigations, Geochemical Surveys and Geo-technical
investigations for different engineering projects. During F.S. 2008-9 the same priorities will be
continued.
MAP, CARTOGRAPHY, PUBLICATION AND INFORMATION DIVISION
During FS 2007-08, correction / modification in the Mineral Belt Maps of iron ore,
lignite, graphite, magnesite and limestone have been carried out. With this, all the 25 Mineral
Belt Maps for 9 commodities have been completed in all aspects. The work related to the
compilation of Detailed Information Dossiers (DID) on Dimensional Stone is under progress. The
officers of the Division are also involved in evolving a common legend for 1: 50K series GM for
the entire Southern Region.
During F.S. 2008-09, the DID work on Dimensional Stone will be completed. Apart from
this, a couple of officers from this Operations, one each from MCPI and Geodata Divisions, will
be involved in the preparation of print ready geological maps (PRGM) and also in evolving a
common legend for 1:50 K series maps for the entire Region.
GEODATA/GEO-INFORMATICS
Computerisation of all the activities of the Geological Survey of India has been in
progress for quite some time. Most of the database generated by this Operation over the years has
already been converted to computer compatible format. Digital format is generated from this as
per need. The Geodata Division is sufficiently equipped with necessary hardware and software to
extend service support to all Divisions and Projects in the Operations. Under Project
Geoinformatics, theme based database creation was completed for the degree sheets 57K, 57L,
58A (Tamil Nadu part), 58E, 58F, 58G (in part), 58H, 58I, 58J, 58K and 58L up to F.S. 2006-07.
The database had initially been generated under five domains. This has been enhanced to eight
domains, viz. Mapping, Mining, Geochemical, Drilling, Environmental, Rock Analysis, PGRS
and Natural Hazards.
During F.S. 2007-08, work pertaining to digitisation of geological maps (1:50,000) in

print and portal format has been carried out. Database creation for the degree sheets 57H, 57O,
58B (Tamil Nadu part), 58 G (part), 58 O and 66C has been taken up. This will be completed as
per schedule. A new programme to generate database for Geophysics domain has also been taken
up. The database for 57 H, K, L, O, 58 B, F, G, O and 66C is being generated initially.
Subsequently, the database for geophysics will be generated for the entire state.
During F.S. 2008-09, one officer from this Division will be involved in the preparation of
common legend for the 1: 50K series GM for the entire Region and in the preparation of print
ready geological maps (PRGM). Under Project: Geoinformatics, theme based data base creation
for 57P and 58 M will be taken up.
SPECIALISED THEMATIC MAPPING
During FS 2007-2008, three items have been taken up under STM. Specialised thematic
mapping has been carried out of in parts of Dindigul, Karur and Tiruchchirapalli districts falling
in part of the toposheets 58 J/2 and 6 to study the tectonic frame work, mode of emplacement of
basic-ultrabasic rock and decipher associated metallogeny, if any. Concordant sheets / lenses of
ultrabasic-basic-acidic rocks in the form of pyroxenite, gabbro, anorthositic gabbro and
monzonite are recorded in the area. This item will be concluded.
Specialised thematic mapping has been carried out in parts of Virudunagar and
Tirunelveli districts falling in part of toposheets 58G/11 and 12 to study the granulite and
associated rocks of Southern Granulite Belt . Charnockite, the country rock is intruded by granites
of different generations. The tectonomagmatic and metamorphic evolution of this part of the
Southern Granulite Belt is being worked out. This item will be concluded.
Specialised thematic mapping has been carried out in parts of Coimbatore and Erode
districts falling in toposheet 58 F/5 and 9 to study the tectonic framework, ultramafic
emplacement and mineral potential of Kinattukkadavu - Kangeyam sector of Kinattukkadavu -
Kangeyam – Chinna Dharapuram Tectonic Zone (KKC tectonic zone). The KKC tectonic zone
comprises sub parallel system of ENE trending shears. The ultramafic bodies occur within this.
The emplacement of pink granite gneiss marks the southern margin of the tectonic zone. Abrupt
termination of lithounits, dragging effect and pegmatite emplacement have been noticed along
ENE-WSW shear. These shears are sinistral in nature. This is the first year of the two-year
programme.
During F.S. 2008-09 three items will be taken up under specialised thematic mapping.
Mapping of the Kinattukkadavu - Kangeyam sector of Kinattukkadavu - Kangeyam – Chinna
Dharapuram Tectonic Zone (KKC tectonic zone) in toposheets 58 F/5 and 9 initiated during F.S.
2007-08 will continue in toposheets 58 F/1. A new item to study the contact zone between the
graulite terrain and granite greenstone belt in northern Tamil Nadu will be taken up in Vellore
district in toposheet 57 O/4 and P/1. This is a successor item to a similar project in the adjacent
area completed during F.S. 2005-06. Another new item to make a comprehensive study of the
Moyar and Bhavani lineaments in central Tamil Nadu will be taken up in parts of Nilgiri and
Erode districts in parts of toposheets 58 A/14,15 E/2,3.
MINERAL INVESTIGATIONS
During F.S. 2007-08, a total of five mineral investigations have been taken up. This
includes prospecting for PGE, gold, graphite and iron ore.
Prospecting for PGE initiated during the F.S. 2006-07 at Sittampundi (Namakkal district)
and Mettuppalaiyam areas (Erode and Coimbatore districts) have yielded encouraging results. In
these areas, PGE is hosted by chromitite / chromiferous metapyroxenite within anorthosite gneiss.
Mineralisation over a kilometer strike length has been demarcated in both the areas based on the
surface prospecting carried out so far.
Prospecting for gold associated with BIF is being carried out in Polur area (57 P/2,3),
Tiruvannamalai district. This item will be completed as per schedule, as the results were not
encouraging.
Graphite has been established over a strike length of 1 km in the Sivaganga Graphite Belt
(58K/5) based on the prospecting carried out from F.S. 2004-05 to 2006-07. At present this
prospect is being probed by drilling. This item also will be completed.
Prospecting for iron ore has been taken up in the BIF bands around Kelur (57 P/2) in
Dharmapuri District. About four bands totaling to 2.6km strike length has been prospected. The
total Fe value ranges from 30 to 42%.
During F.S. 2008-09, prospecting for PGE will be continued both in Sittampundi and
Mettuppalaiyam Complexes. Scout drilling will be carried out in both the prospects. Prospecting
for iron ore will be taken up in Chengam area. In addition, an item of drilling to test the new
conceptual model for molybdenum mineralisation is proposed to be taken up in the Harur –
Uttangarai Molybdenum Belt, Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu.
NATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING
Systematic Geochemical mapping is being carried out since F.S. 2001-02 to generate
geochemical baseline data for use in managing / developing natural resources and for application
in environmental, agricultural, public health and other societal concerns. Samples from different
media are collected and analysed for multi elements under this programme as per guidelines. A
total of eight toposheets have been covered under this programme up to F.S. 2006-07. During F.S.
2007-08, toposheets 58 I/ 3 and part of I/6 are being covered. During F.S. 2008-09, toposheets 58
I/2 and I/10 would be taken up. The remaining part of 58 I/6 will also be completed.
PETROLOGY
During 2007-08, Petrology Division extended assistance in carrying out petrographic

studies for Specialised Thematic Mapping projects. Petrographic studies on payment basis,
evaluation of quarry material for Chennai Port Trust and assessment of Black Granite occurrence
near Villupuram are the important commercial activities carried out by the Division. The Division
also participated in scientific exhibitions organised by educational institutions and provides
technical guidance to Chennai Museum in maintaining the Geology Gallery. The National Fossil
parks at Tiruvakkarai and Sattanur are being maintained. The Division is also involved in the
establishment of Core Library at Southern Region by skeletonising and assembling the cores of
important mineral investigations carried out in Tamil Nadu. During the F.S. 2008-09, all the
above activities will be continued.
GEOTECHNICAL INVESTIGATIONS
Geotechnical studies for dams, tunnels, power- house and its appurtenances are being
rendered for several irrigation projects under geotechnical evaluation for water resources
development projects. The geotechnical studies include site selection and feasibility / construction
/ post construction studies. Geotechnical studies for communication and other miscellaneous
projects are also carried out. Most of the items are sponsored. Item of direct societal relevance,
like post earthquake studies and landslides, are taken up suo moto
Geotechnical Studies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry
During the FS 2007-08, one Construction stage investigation (Mambazhathuraiyar

Reservoir Project) and Post-construction Stage inspection for 15 dams have been carried out in
Tamil Nadu under geotechnical evaluation of irrigation projects up to March 2008. During F.S.
2008-09, sponsored projects under water resource development projects in Tamil Nadu will
continue.
Geotechnical Studies in Kerala
During F.S. 2007-2008, a total of eleven investigations (ten under Feasibility and Pre-
construction Stages and one Construction stage) were taken up in Kerala up to March 2008.
Apart from this, the study of the stability of 400 KV power line Tower near Trissur located in
the proximity of a landslide has also been carried out. During F.S. 2007-08, sponsored
geotechnical studies for hydroelectric and irrigation projects will continue.
Landslide studies
Geological Survey of India has been identified as the nodal agency for carrying out
investigations on landslides in the country. Hence, of late, much attention is being paid to the
studies related to landslides in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
During F. S. 2007-08, preparation of landslide inventory in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

initiated during F.S. 2006-07 is being continued. Out of a total of 211 landslide incidences in
Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, 154 slides have been inventoried upto March 2008. Apart from this,
landslide hazard zonation of important road corridors leading to Kodaikkanal township area,
Dindigul district, Tamil Nadu and detailed site specific study and monitoring of two landslides on
the northern slope of Coonoor river, Coonoor, Nilgiri district and study of Hospital slide at
Coonoor in Ooty district, Tamil Nadu are being carried out. In addition to this, 9 boreholes (for
SPT) have been drilled for the Hospital slide that was investigated during F.S. 2006-07.
During F.S. 2007-08, two items will be taken up in Tamil Nadu. This includes detailed
site specific study and monitoring of slides on the elk hills, Ooty Taluk, Nilgiri district and land
slide hazard zonation (LHZ) on macro scale in hills surrounding Kodaikanal town, Dindigul
district, Tamil Nadu. Apart from this, monitoring of the hospital landslide complex, Coonoor,
Nilgiri district, Tamil Nadu is also proposed. Incidentally, this slide has been selected as one of
the three sites in India for study under the project “ Monitoring / mitigation of landslides under
selected sites at India” with the Canadian collaboration.
Resource Generation
Operation: TNPK, Chennai has generated internal resources of Rs. 12,71,633 /- during
the period October 2007 to June 2008.
CO-ORDINATION TECHNICAL DIVISION
Personnel
M. Renganathan
K. Nagarajan
K. Nagarajan
1 Planning, formulation and implementation of annual field season programme

2 Preparation of materials for Stage Review, Mid-Term Review, OAC, RAC, various
CGPB sub-committee meetings and State Geological Programming Board meeting.
3 Co-ordination and Monitoring of scientific / technical activities of all Projects and
Divisions, training programmes and seminars / symposia.
4 Attending to Parliamentary Questions.
5 Technical Manpower Management.
M. Renganathan
1 Technical Consultancy work.

2 Preparation and submission of periodical returns.
3 Monitoring of report submission for various items of FSP.
4 Preparation of internal resources generation statements.
5 Public relations and projection of GSI activities in Media.
6 Liaison work with State, Central Department / Agencies, NGOs and Educational
Institutions.
MAP, CARTOGRAPHY, PUBLICATION AND INFORMATION DIVISION
Division / Project Name: GEOLOGICAL MAPS (SCALE 1:50,000) Item No. 021
F S P Number
Field Season
Type Code Region Code Op. Unit Year of initiation S l. No.
2008-2009 MAP SR HQ 2008 018
Participating Operational Unit (s) / Region (s) [ Code (s) ]
Division 1 Reg. / Op. Unit Division 2 Reg. / Op. Unit
Geodata SR Op: AP SR
Op: K&G SR Op: TNPK
Geographical Information
State Code (s) District Code (s) Toposheet(s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt / Basin, etc.
P e r s o n n e l
K.Mahender Reddy (PT) A.V. Satyakumar Mohd. Amjad Ali (PT)
C.V. Kasiviswanathan (PT) P.K. Sinha (PT) Geodata M.Raghupathy (PT ) Geodata
P.V. Krishna Rao (PT), Geodata Rosy Samantaray (PT), Geodata K. Seshaiah, Op: AP
N. Padmaiah, Op: AP M.A.N.A. Sheriff, Op:K&G (PT) Niharika Jha, Op: K&G (PT)
B.V. Srinivasan, Op: TNPK (PT) V. Chandrasekharan, Op: TNPK (PT)
FINALISATION OF GEOLOGICAL MAP LAYER ON 1:50K
Title
NATIONAL GRID AND UPLOADING
Key words SPATIAL DATABASE, DIGITIZED MAP, EDGE-MATCH, PERSONAL
(Maximum 10) GEODTABASE, RDBMS, GIS, PORTAL
The main objective of the project is to build an enterprise level spatial database
through collation of geological datasets generated through systematic geological
mapping on scale 1:50,000 carried out by GSI since its inception. The objective
Objective
can be achieved through uploading the digitized maps in the portal in a national
grid. This will lead to consolidation of spatial data archive for visualization,
query, and generating value added products for subsequent thematic studies.
For details, please see Item No.021
Mission : Information Services and Education
Programme : Map Compilation and Publication
Item No: 058 Personnel

FSP: 2008-09 B.V. Srinivasan (PT)
Service Item: SER/SR/TNP/2008/047 V. Srinivasan
R.S. Baruah
Procurement of : Toposheets of different scales will be procured as and when necessary

Toposheets for the use of field parties and for different compilation purposes.
PUBLICATION
a. Processing, reprography and circulation of unpublished reports
b. Compilation of Annual General Report, Extended Abstracts and GSI News
c. Preparation of material for DID as per needs.
d. Procurement and preservation of books and journals for Library.
e. Processing of the material submitted for publication
f. Finalisation of Mineral Belt Maps: A total of 25 MBM’s pertaining to 9 commodities have
been modified and resubmitted to SR during F.S. 2008-09. With this, all the MBM’s, as
envisaged in the original item, has been completed. Further corrections/ modifications if any
will be attended. The Operational unit will carry out the digitisation of the MBM’s.
g. Photogeological support to ongoing mapping and mineral investigations in Tamil Nadu.
In Tamil Nadu, an area of 900 sq. km will be taken up for Specialised Thematic
mapping during the current field season. All these areas are critically selected areas that
require detailed structural studies. The study of the remotely sensed data for these areas will
augment the database and help in identifying critical areas for field studies. Landslide studies
are being taken up on regular basis in recent times consequent upon the declaration of GSI as
Nodal Agency for landslide studies. These studies also require photo geology input and
preparation of thematic maps using Eradas software.
During F.S. 2008-09, the following works are proposed to be taken up.
STM items : Preparation of thematic maps as per the requirement of the projects
Misc. work : Focused studies of smaller areas as per the project requirement under
MI and EG / landslide projects.
GEODATA DIVISION

FSP: 2008-09 B. Nageswaran
Service Item: SER/SR/TNP/2008/048 V. Chandrasekaran (PT)
1 Procurement and maintenance of PCs and other peripherals like scanners, printers in the
operation.
2 Extend support in the processing of data using Surfer, Rockworks, Erdas, Arc-info and
AutoCAD.
3 Extend support in the use of Office automation software like MS Office and Open Office.
4 Extend support to Technical Cell, Establishment and Accounts section and MCPI Division.
5 Extend support to Project: NGCM in the preparation of anomaly maps for various elements.
6 Extend guidance and support in the preparation of Multimedia / Graphic outputs for
presentation in various meetings.
7 Geocoding and extraction of subset from the satellite imagery for interpretation and analysis
using Leica Photogrammetry Suite (Erdas) software.
8 Establishment of LAN for GSI Portal.
9 Integration of various layers of 50 K map series and preparation of layouts as per demand.
10 Creation of seamless mosaic for the 2nd edition of Quadrangle geological maps
PROJECT: GEOINFORMATICS
Project Name: GEOINFORMATICS Item No. 060

F PS Number
Field Season
2008– 09 DB SR TNP 2008 049
Participating Operational Unit (s) / Region (s) [Code (s)]
GEODATA TNPK
State Code(s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet(s) Mineral/Tectonic
Belt/Basin etc.
TN TIRV, VELL, KANC, VILL, POND, TIRU, 57P, 58M
CUDD, ARIA, PERA, NAGA, KARA, THAN
Personnel
A. Bandyopadhyay D. Sundaravanan S. Singanenjam Asima Choudhury
CREATION OF THEME-BASED DATABASE FOR DEGREE SHEET 57P and
Title
58M
Commodities 1 2 3 4 5
CHARNOCKITE, PENINSULAR GNEISSIC COMPLEX-II, GONDWANA

Keywords
SUPER GROUP, CRETACEOUS, TERTIARY, CENOZOIC-LATERITE
Creation of theme-based relational database to be integrated with the existing geo-
Objective
scientific database.
NATURE, QUANTUM OF WORK AND TIME SCHEDULE
TOPOSHEET 57 P
Total Expected Work Work
Nature of Work Workload year of already proposed for
Envisaged Completion completed 2008-2009
1) Analysis of reports and extraction of 75 reports 2008-2009 New Item 75 reports
data on to formats (58P/1 to 16) (58P/1 to 16)
a. Mapping (1:50,000) 36 36
b. Mining 31@ 31@
c. Geochemical 06* 06*
d. Drilling 06# 06#
e. Environmental Geology 02 02
f. Rock analysis 05 05
2) Thematic data input of themes 36 36

(Mapping 50,000, Mining, Geochemical 31@ 31@
Exploration, Drilling, Environmental 06* 06*
Geology, and Rock samples analysis,) in 06# 06#
Oracle database 02 02
05 05
3) Preparation of lexicons As necessary As necessary
4) Layerwise Graphic data input for 16

compiled, edge- matched sheets using
ARCGIS maintaining the geodatabase
structure
a. Mapping (1:50,000) 9 layers
b. Mining
c. Geochemical
d. Drilling
e. Environmental Geology
f. Rock analysis
* Includes 5 reports of Mapping Domain
# Includes 6 reports of Mining Domain

TOPOSHEET 58 M
Nature of Work Total Expected Work Work
Workload year of already proposed
Envisaged Completion completed for 2008-
2009
1) Analysis of reports and 83 reports 2008-2009 New Item 83 reports
extraction of data on to formats (58M/1 to (58M/1 to
16) 16)
a. Mapping (1:50,000) 33 33
b. Mining 35@ 35@
c. Geochemical 11$ 11$
d. Drilling 10** 10**
e. Environmental Geology 02 02
f. Rock analysis 10 10
2) Thematic data input of themes 33 33

(Mapping 50,000, Mining, 35@ 35@
Geochemical Exploration, Drilling, 11$ 11$
Environmental Geology, and Rock 10** 10**
samples analysis,) in Oracle 2 2
database 10 10
3) Preparation of lexicons As necessary As
necessary
4) Layerwise Graphic data input for

16 compiled, edge- matched sheets
using ARCGIS maintaining the
geo-database structure
a. Mapping (1:50,000) 9 layers
b. Mining
c. Geochemical
d. Drilling
e. Environmental Geology
f. Rock analysis
@ Includes 2 reports of Mapping Domain
$ Includes 7 reports of Mapping Domain
** all these reports figured under Mining Domain
Background Information
The Geoinformatics Project has commenced during F.S. 1998-99. Database creation was
completed for the degree sheets 57K, 57L, 58A (Tamil Nadu part), 58E, 58F, 58G (in part), 58H,
58I, 58J, 58K and 58L up to F.S. 2006-07. Database creation for the degree sheets 57H, 57O, 58B
(Tamil Nadu part), 58 G (part), 58 O and 66C has been taken up during the F.S. 2007-2008. In
continuation of this, it is proposed to take up 57P and 58M during the FS 2008-09.
Geology of 57P: The area exposes rocks of Charnockite Group, Peninsular Gneissic
Complex (PGC-II) and Alkali Complex of Archaean- Proterozoic age, Gondwana Super Group of
Permian – Lower Cretaceous, Ariyalur Group of Upper Cretaceous, Cuddalore Formation of Mio-
Pliocene, Conjeevaram gravel of Pliocene to Lower Pleistocene and laterite and alluvium of
Quaternary age. The Archaean rocks have undergone poly metamorphism and multi deformation.
Five phases of deformations have been recognized. Magnetite, graphite and sulphide
disseminations are some of the economic minerals of the area. Moulding sand, brick and tile clay,
limestone and kankar deposits are also reported from this area. Marine shells occur in lagoons.
Salt and gypsum are produced in coastal belts.
Geology of 58M: The crystalline basement constituted by charnockite, different types of

gneisses, basic and acid intrusives occupy the northwestern segments. The Upper Gondwana
sediments occur as isolated patches. The Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments occur in three sub-
basins, viz. Tiruchirapalli, Vriddhachalam and Puducherry. Some of the formations in these sub-
basins are rich in fossils. The Cuddalore Formation that overlaps the Upper Cretaceous and
Palaeocene Formations occupies higher elevations than the surrounding rocks. Laterite occurs as
capping. Quaternary sediments cover a larger part of the area. The gneiss exhibits a NE-SW trend
with steep dips towards southeast. The sedimentary rocks show gentle easterly dips. The famous
Neyveli Lignite Deposit occurs in the area. Limestone, gypsiferrous clay, minor amounts of
celestite, barite, phosphatic nodules, flint and chert are the other minerals of economic
importance. Ceramic clay and brick and tile clay deposits occur at many places.
The database creation process involves inventory of available reports pertaining to the
area, transcription of reports as per requirements of the Oracle tables, data entry and creation of
locality lexicon in Oracle forms for the textual data. Compilation and digitization of the
geological maps on 1: 50,000 pertaining to this degree sheet in Arc Info format are completed.
PETROLOGY DIVISION

FSP: 2008-09 V. Ganesan
Service Item: SER/SR/TNP/2008/050 B. Kanishkan (PT)*
Title : Service support to Operation: Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry & Kerala
V. Ganesan
a) To extend assistance in petrographic studies to various ongoing field items.

b) To carry out petrographic studies on payment basis as and when received from outside
agencies.
c) Participation in exhibitions organised by Educational Institutions and Industries
d) Registration of thin sections
e) Upkeep of the microscope and other equipments of the Petrology Lab.
f) Core library related works
B. Kanishkan (PT)
a) Extending technical assistance in maintaining the Geological gallery at Govt. Museum,
Chennai.
b) Maintenance of National Geological Monument at Pallavaram, Tiruvakkarai and Sattanur
c) DID work: The DID on Dimensional Stone that has been under compilation at SR has
been sent to this office for final compilation. Shri B. Kanishkan was earlier associated
with this project.
* Part time DDO

PROJECT: SPECIALISED THEMATIC MAPPING
Mission: Surface Mapping

Programme: Specialised Thematic Mapping
Project Name: SPECIALISED THEMATIC MAPPING Item No. 062
F S P Number
Field Season
2008-09 STM SR TNP 2007 052
Division 1 Reg. / Op. Unit Division 2 Reg. / Op. Unit Division 3 Reg. / Op. Unit
EPMA Lab SR CHEM SR MIN. PHY. SR
SEM Lab CHQ
Mineral / Tectonic Belt
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s)
/ Basin, etc.
TN KAR 58 F 58 F/1,5, 9
Personnel
R. Baskaran Nagendra Kumar
STUDY OF TECTONIC FRAMEWORK, ULTRAMAFIC EMPLACEMENT
AND MINERAL POTENTIAL OF KINATTUKKADAVU KANGEYAM
Title SECTOR OF KINATTUKKADAVU - KANGEYAM – CHINNA
DHARAPURAM TECTONIC ZONE (KKC TECTONIC ZONE), CENTRAL
TAMIL NADU
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
Keywords TECTONIC FRAME WORK, TECTONIC ZONE, KANGEYAM
1. To trace the extension of the Kangeyam tectonic zone

Objective 2. To study the ultramafic emplacement, differentiation and associated
mineralisation
Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

Nature of work Total work a) Expected year Work already Work
load of completion completed up proposed
envisaged b) Submission of to June 2008 for 2008-09
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
1. STM (Sq Km) (1:25,000) 600 a) 2008-09 280 300
2. SMPL (Nos.) b) Annual
PS 150 c) 2010 March 73 75
PCS¶ 50 25 25
BRS# 100 50 50
EPMA studies$ 20 12 8
SEM-EDX studies of 40 - 20
accessory Phases*
¶
Whole rock analysis will be carried out by XRF at Regional Chemical Lab., SR
#
34 elements package / REE will be carried out by ICPMS at Regional Chemical Lab, SR
$
EPMA will be carried out at the Mineral Physics Lab, Geological Survey of India, SR
*
In collaboration with SEM lab. CHQ.
The granulite - gneiss terrain of central Tamil Nadu is divided into three distinct
lithotectonic domains, viz. northern Nilgiri-Sittampundi domain, central Dharapuram domain and
southern Kodaikkanal domain based on the litho assemblages, structure, tectonics and the
associated metallogeny. STM carried out by Baskaran et al (2004-07) along a N-S corridor has
revealed that ultramafic bodies of considerable length and width trending parallel to regional
(ENE – WSW) foliation in the northern part of the Dharapuram domain. Reconnoitry strike
traverses coupled with the study of the remotely sensed data have revealed that these ultramafic
bodies appear to be a part of a major ENE-WSW trending tectonic zone that extends from
Kinattukkadavu in the west to Chinna Dharapuram in the east through Kangeyam. Preliminary
studies indicate these ultramafics have been emplaced in different pulses with varying
composition. The litho assemblages indicate that the ultramafics were differentiated. The famous
“gem tract” of Kangeyam is situated in this zone. Thus, this tectonic zone, prima facie, has the
potentials to become one of the major ultramafic complexes of Tamil Nadu with granitic
emplacement and late stage hydrothermal activities. Madusudana Rao (1949), A.P. Subramaniyan
(1954), S. K. Srivastava (1975-76) and K. Gopalakrishnan (1973) have mapped these areas.
The area between Kangeyam and Dharapuram is characterised by high density (2.8 g/cc)
and high bouguer gravity signatures (-25 mGal) suggesting crustal thining in this area (Rao and
Prasad, 2006). It is also suggested that the total intensity magnetic anomaly fluctuation between
1200 and -400 nT, is attributable to mafic intrusives in this area. Magnetotelluric data for the
Kankeyam-Dharapuram area shows high conductivity of the order of 2000 Ώm to depth of 12 km
indicating presence of shear zones, in contrast to the high resistivity of 20000 to 50000 Ώm to the
north of Moyar – Bhavani shear zone and south of Karur – Oddanchatram shear zone. This
clearly indicated that the Kankeyam – Dharapuram area within the Dharapuram domain is a
major tectonic zone with emplacement of basic, ultrabasic / ultramafic intrusives from deeper
levels.
Considering the structural and economic importance of the belt, a two year mapping item
has been launched during F.S. 2007-08 to delineate this tectonic zone along the strike extension,
characterise the different ultramafic bodies and assess the economic potential. During F.S. 2007-
08, part of 58 F/5 is being covered. Based on the mode of occurrence and field relations, various
lithounits mapped in the area are grouped under Charnockite Group, Meta-sedimentary Group,
Pre- and post- tectonic intrusions and recent deposits. The ultramafic bodies occur within a ENE-
WSW trending belt (Kinattukkadavu – Kangeyam - Chinna Dharapuram Tectonic Zone – KKC
tectonic zone), bound by shears on both the sides. The KKC tectonic zone comprises sub parallel
system of ENE trending shears. The emplacement of pink granite gneiss marks the southern
margin of the tectonic zone. Abrupt termination of lithounits, dragging effect and pegmatite
emplacement have been noticed along ENE-WSW shear. These shears are sinistral in nature.
During F.S. 2008-09, it is proposed to continue mapping in parts of 58F/1 to study the
western part of the Kinattukkadavu – Kangeyam sector of the KKC tectonic zone.
Operational area
2007-08 Part of 58 F/5 100 46’ – 110 00’ N and 770 15’ – 770 30’ E
2008-09 Part of 58 F/1 100 46’ – 110 00’ N and 770 00’ – 770 15’ E
Critical areas within the operational area will be covered on 1:12,500 as per necessity.

Project Name: SPECIALISED THEMATIC MAPPING Item No. 063
F S P Number
Field Season
Type Code Region Code Op. Unit Year of initiation Sl. No.
2008- 09 STM SR TNP 2008 051
CHEM. LAB SR MIN. PHY. SR PET. LAB. OP: TNP&K
Degree Sheet Mineral / Tectonic Belt
State Code (s) District Code (s) Toposheet (s)
(s) / Basin, etc.
TN VELL, TIRU 57O, P 57 O/4, P/1 Arcot Terrain
Personnel
P. Rajesh Durai G. Senthil Kumaran
STUDY OF THE CONTACT ZONE BETWEEN THE GRANULITE TERRAIN
Title AND GRANITE GREENSTONE BELT AROUND VELLORE AND ARCOT,
VELLORE AND TIRUVANNAMALAI DISTRICTS, TAMIL NADU
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
GRANULITE, GRANITE, GREENSTONE, SHEAR, INCIPIENT
Keywords CHARNOCKITE
1. To study and extend the contact zone of Granite-greenstone terrain and

granulite terrain traced in the Sholingar area.
Objective
2. To trace the western extension of the dismembered Sirugumi schist belt.
3. To locate possible mineralisation in the schist belt vis-à-vis VSTZ

Nature of work Total work load a) Expected year Work already Work proposed
envisaged of completion completed up for 2008-09
b) Submission of to June 2008
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
1. STM (Sq Km) 600 a) 2009-10 New Item 300
(1:25,000) b) Annual
2. SMPL c) 2011 March
a) PS @ 60 30
b) PCS¶ 50 25
c) BRS# 50 25
d) EPMA$ 10 05
¶
#
$
EPMA will be carried out at the Mineral physics Lab, Geological Survey of India, SR
Palar River is a major E-W trending geographic feature in northern Tamil Nadu that has
been considered to mark the contact between the granulite terrain (in the south) and the granite
greenstone belt (in the north). Specialised Thematic Mapping carried out in recent years in
Vellore district (Duraisamy et al, 2000-02 and Balasubramanian et al, 2002-04) in parts of
Toposheets No. 57 O/4, 8 and 57 P/1, 5 have established the existence of charnockite ± garnet
assemblage in the area north of Palar river. Further north, the southern extension of the
Psundapalli Schist Belt (Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh), comprising meta-sedimentary rocks
associated with ultramafic and basic rocks have been demarcated. A major ENE-WSW trending
tectonic regime – Vallimalai - Sholingar Tectonic Zone (VSTZ) - has also been delineated.
A successor programme to this has been launched during F.S. 2004-06 mainly to trace the
eastern extension of VSTZ as well as to study the contact between the granite-green stone belt in
the north with that of the charnockite in the south. Parts of 57 O/8, 12 and P/5,9 between
12°45'00” to 13°12'30” N and 79°25'00” to 79°45'00” E have been covered under this
programme. The studies have established the eastward continuity of VSTZ up to Arakkonam.
Further east, this unit is juxtaposed with the pink granite gneiss. A broad zone of extensive
epidotisation marks the contact. Alkali plutons comprising monzo-granite, syenite and alkali
granite are emplaced in the granitoids within the contact zone. The contact between the granite -
greenstone Belt in the north and the granulites in the south is marked by a ENE-WSW trending
shear zone (VSTZ) associated with intense pink permeation. The studies have further delineated a
dismembered schist belt – the Sirugumi schist belt - comprising quartz sericite schist, quartz
muscovite schist, quartz sillimanite schist and possible meta-basic and acid volcanics. Incipient
charnockitisation has been recorded in the Anantalai hills and Kalavai in the south within the
hornblende biotite gneiss of granodiorite composition.
The aero magnetic signatures of Vellore–Chittoor terrain show that the Granite
Greenstone terrain of Chittoor area is marked by low magnetic intensity and broad contours. The
charnockite – pyroxene granulite – banded magnetite quartzite assemblages of granulite terrain
are typified by higher magnetic intensity and higher amplitude of the magnetic anomalies.
Sholinghur granite is manifested by low magnetic values. A broad low magnetic pattern in an E-
W direction characterise the alkaline rocks and E-W shears. Magnetic low and deflection of
magnetic contours along E-W direction manifest the VSTZ. The abutting of E-W magnetic
contours reflects the younger NNW-SSE Ponnai river shear zone.
In view of the interesting findings made in this area, a two-year programme is launched
to trace the western extension of the VSTZ and to study the contact zone of Granite-greenstone
terrain and granulite terrain.
Operational area
2008-09
Part of 57 O/4, P/1 120 45’ – 130 05’ N and 790 00’ – 790 15’ E
2009-10

Project Name: SPECIALISED THEMATIC MAPPING Item No.064
F S P Number
Field Season
2008- 09 STM SR TNP 2008 052
Pet. Lab OP; TNP&K CHEM SR PGRS Op. TNPK
Mineral / Tectonic Belt
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s)
/ Basin, etc.
TN ERODE 58A, E 58A/14, 15 Moyar-Bhavani
58E/2, 3, 6, 7 lineament
Personnel
S. Raju B. Lakshminarayanan
A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE MOYAR AND BHAVANI
Title
LINEAMENTS, TAMIL NADU
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
Keywords LINEAMENT, MOYYAR, BHAVANI, ATTUR
1. To characterise and classify the Moyar and Bhavani lineaments.

Objective 2. To bring out the tectonic significance of the lineaments.
3. To evaluate the mineralisation potentials.

Nature of work Total work load a) Expected year Work already Work
envisaged of completion completed up proposed
b) Submission of to June 2008 for 2008-09
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
1. STM (Sq Km) (1:25,000) 600 a) 2009-10 New Item 300
2. SMPL (Nos.) b) Annual
PS 150 c) 2011 March 75
PCS¶ 20 10
BRS# 100 50
EPMA@ 20 10
¶
#
@
EPMA will be carried out at the Mineral physics Lab, Geological Survey of India, SR
The granulite terrain of Tamil Nadu is transected by a number of prominent lineaments /

shear zones. Most of these shear zones / lineaments are postulated on regional scale based on the
interpretation of the remotely sensed data (Vemban et al., 1979; Grady, 1980). Gopalakrishnan
(1994) considered some of these lineaments as bounding lineaments defining the terrane
boundary. A prominent E-W fabric in the central Tamil Nadu disposed sub-parallel to Cauvery
River almost divides the State into three major structural domains. The northern domain is
predominantly characterised by a NNE / NE structural fabric. The alkali-carbonatite Complex of
Tamil Nadu is located within the domain. Dharmapuri West lineament, Javadi Hill lineament,
Palar lineament, Pambar lineament and Harur - Uttangarai shear zone are some of the major
structural elements of this domain.
The central domain is characterised by a strong E-W fabric. It is confined between two
bounding lineaments; Moyyar – Bhavani – Attur lineament (MBAL) in the north and Palaghat –
Cauvery lineament in the south. On its western side, MBAL splits into two arms; the northern
Moyyar and the southern Bhavani. These two arms coalesce at Bhavani Sagar and extend in an E-
W direction up to Attur. The eastern (combined) part of this lineament has been studied in detail
under various STM projects over the years (Alkali-carbonatite Complex-Phase II (1996-98),
Kottapatti shear zone (1986-88) and Study of Crustal weak zone – Chinna Salem - Kallakurichi
(2001-03). However the western part of this lineament, especially the split arms have not been
studied in detail. The Nilgiri massif is confined between the split arms.
The surface manifestations of the shear characters are not uniform in the entire stretch of
this MBAL. In the west (between Moyar and Sathyamangalam / Andhiyur), the shear zone is well
developed at the foothills of Tattakkarai – Sathyamangalam hill ranges. Along this shear zone, the
N / NNE trending regional Dharwarian trend has been rotated and dragged. Some workers believe
that the Moyar shear zone has a major strike slip component with a dextral sense of movement.
They further consider that the Nilgiri massif, which was once contiguous with the Tattakkarai
hills (southern continuation of BR hills), has moved for a distance of about 70 km westwards and
attained the present configuration (Drury et al., 1983). However, subsequent studies by Naha and
Srinivasan (1996) have indicated that both the Moyar and Bhavani shear zones are steeply
dipping thrusts with a predominant dip-slip component, especially in the case of Moyar shear
zone. They opined that dip ward movement on a sub-vertical plane striking E-W could in no way
rotate the N-S structural trends to E-W. They interpret the veering of structural trends to regional
superposed fold systems.
In view of these contrasting interpretations on the kinematics of the Moyar-Bhavani shear

zone, it is proposed to study these shear zones in detail by taking up mapping across the shear
zone, along N-S transects (covering the shear zone and 5 km on either side of it) to characterise
them and bring out their tectonic significance. Geothermobarometric studies of suitable lithounits
occurring on either side of the shear zone would help in understanding the evolution of the post
accretionary BR hills granulite terrain to the north and the syn-accretionary Nilgiri granulite
(3400 Ma) massif lying to the south of the Moyar-Bhavani shear zone. In Attur area, evidences
of mantle activities in the form of carbonatite / siderite – ankerite veins with associated gold
mineralisation have been documented (Shrivastava and Khan, 1983). Hence, it is also proposed
to carry out reconnoitry sampling of different media for locating any possible mineralisation.
Operational area
2008-09 58 A/14,15 58E/2,3 110 25’ to 110 40’ N : 760 51’ to 770 15’ E
2009-10 58 E/2,3,6,7 110 20’ to 110 40’ N : 770 15’ to 770 45’ E
PROJECT: IRON ORE
Mission: Mineral and energy resource exploration

Programme: Ferrous minerals
Project Name: IRON ORE Item No. 065
F S P Number
Field Season
2008- 09 MIP SR TNP 2007 055
CHEM TNPK PET OP: TNPK
G e o g r a p h i c a l I n f o r m a t io n
Mineral/Tectonic
State Code(s) District Code(s) Degree Sheet(s) Toposheet(s)
Belt/Basin etc.
Tamil Nadu TIRU 57P, 57L ^ P/2, 3 ^ Arcot Terrain
L/15,16
Personnel
P. Sundar Rajan
INVESTIGATION FOR IRON ORE IN THE BANDED IRON
Title FORMATION (BIF), TIRUVANNAMALAI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU.
(P-II)
(if any)(Coded)
Keywords BIF
(Maximum 10)
To estimate the iron ore resources of the BMQ bands around Kelur and
Objective
Kommandal Tiruvannamalai district.

Nature of work Total work load a) Expected year Work already Work proposed
envisaged of completion completed up to for 2008-09
b) Submission of June, 2008
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
LSM (sq km) 60 a) 2008-09 32 28
(1 :12,500) b) Annual
P & T (cum) 100 ^ c) 2010 March 45 55
SMPL (nos.)
Groove / PTS 1000 470 500
*Samples to be analysed for total Fe, SiO2, Al2O3 and P at OP: TNP&K Laboratory, Chennai
^ Modified / revised
BMQ bands form one of the important litho-component of the Pre-Cambrian rocks in the
Central Tamil Nadu. The iron ore occurrences of Kanjamalai, Godumalai, Nainarmalai,
Saruvamalai and Valayapatti of Salem and Namakkal districts, Mahadevi, Tattayyangarpettai,
Valasiramani and Nacchukaradu of Tiruchirapalli and Namakkal districts are some of the
important occurrences in this belt. Of these, the BMQ bands of Kanjamalai, Godumalai and
Nainarmalai have been investigated in detail by Geological Survey of India as well as by the State
Department. The iron ore resources of Kanjamalai and Godumalai have been estimated to be of
81.9 mt up to depth of 30m with 35% Fe content (Aiyengar, N.K.N 1940-41-GSI). The DGM,
Govt. of Tamil Nadu carried out further detailed work including drilling in the same area and
considerably up-graded the quantum of resources. The Nainarmalai area has been investigated by
GSI (Ragunathan, K and Davay, D.R. 1975-76 and 1979-80). A reserve of 84.23 mt of iron ore
up to ground level with an average grade of 35.58% Fe has been estimated. The BMQ bands of
Tiruchirapalli and Namakkal districts have been brought out by Subramanian, V. (1943-44),
Venkatesan, S. (1962-63), Shanmugham, P. and Sivasankaran, S.S. (1985-86 on 1:25000)
Natarajan, A and Singanenjam, S. (1986-87-88 on 1:25,000) and Srinivasan, B.V. (1986-87 on
1:25,000) during the course of mapping.
In view of the worldwide demand for the low-grade iron ore in recent times and in
concurrence with the Government of India policy in this regard, prospecting for iron ore has been
re-started in Tamil Nadu since F.S. 2005-06. The magnetite quartzite bands of Valasiramani,
Tattayyangarpettai and Mahadevi area have been explored during the field season 2005-06.
During F.S. 2006-07, the BMQ bands around Valayapatti and Rajampalayam areas have been
prospected. Resources of 10 and 14 million tones with 34% and 35% total Fe (average) have been
established for the above areas respectively.
In continuation of this the BMQ bands near Kelur and Chengam in Tiruvannamalai
district are proposed for prospecting during F.S. 2007-08-09.
KELUR BAND
During F.S. 2007-08, the band near Kelur has been taken up for prospecting. Sugavanam
et al (1974) has mapped this area. They have reported the presence of number of magnetite
quartzite bands. Later, K.C. Misra (1961) carried out a preliminary investigation for iron near
Kelur. Magnetite quartzite occurs as linear bands predominantly occupied by charnockite and
biotite granite gneiss. A total of nine bands to a cumulative strike length of 10 km with varying
widths have been delineated south of Kelur. One representative sample from each band has been
analysed. The total Fe ranges from 22.90 to 38.79. The magnetite is reported to be free of
Sulphur. These bands have been prospected systematically by collecting groove samples along
profiles across the strike length (at approximately 500m intervals). About four bands with a
cumulative strike length of 2.6 km has been prospected up to Feb. 2008, out of which three bands
with a cumulative strike length of 1km has assayed 39% average total Fe.
CHENGAM BAND
During F.S. 2008-09, this area will be prospected for iron. Sugavanam et al (1974) has mapped
this area. Subsequently, Shanmugam et al (1993) has investigated the area around Chengam and
Sankarapuram for gold in the BIF. BIF is present in substantial amount around Melpennatur,
Uchchimalai and Melchengam areas. The BIF band at Melpennatur extends intermittently for
about 15 km along ENE – WSW direction. It is 5m to 20m in width. The Uchchimalai band
extends for about 35 km with width ranging from 5 to 30m. Parts of the above two bands lie
outside RF areas.
Operational area
2007-08 Kelur 120 31’ to 120 36’ N: 790 07’ to 790 11’ E 57 P/2
2008-09 Chengam 120 12’ to 120 17’ N: 780 52’ to 790 00’ E 57 L/15,16
PROJECT: PGE (SITTAMPUNDI)
Mission: Mineral and Energy Resources Exploration
Programme: Rare Metal
Project Name : PGE Item No. 066
F S P Number
Field Season
2008-09 MIP SR TNP 2006 080
Division 1 Reg. / Op. Unit Division 2 Reg./Op. Unit Division 3 Reg./Op. Unit
CHEM SR PET OP: TNPK PET SR
Division 4 Reg. / Op. Unit Division 5 Reg./Op. Unit Division 6 Reg./Op. Unit
GEOPHY SR PPOD AMSE SEM LAB CHQ
MIN. PHY. SR Drilling ^ SR
Geographical InformatIon
State Code(s) District Code(s) Degree Sheet(s) Toposheet (s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt /
Basin, etc.
58 E/15, 16
TN NAMA 58 E and I Sittampundi Complex
58 I/3
P e r s o n n e l
R. Vijay Kumar A. Balukkarasu
INVESTIGATION FOR PLATINUM GROUP OF ELEMENTS IN
CHETTIAMPALAIYAM – TASAMPALAIYAM SECTORS IN
Title
SITTAMPUNDI LAYERED MAFIC – ULTRAMAFIC COMPLEX OF
TAMIL NADU (P-II)
(if any) (Coded)
Keywords PETROLOGY, ULTRAMAFIC COMPLEX, CHROMITITE
(Maximum 10)
Objective To delineate the potential zones of PGE mineralisation.
Nature, quantum of work and time schedule

Nature of work Total work a) Expected year Work Work
load of completion already proposed
envisaged b) Submission of completed for FS
interim report upto June 2008-09
c) Circulation of 2008
final report
1. LSM (1:12,500) (sq km) 100 a) 2008-09 100 NIL
2. DM (1:1000) (sq km) 2.4 ^ b) Annual 1.1 1.2
3. P&T (cu m) 750 ^ c) 2010 March 592 150
4. Scout Drilling 400 $ - 400
5. SMPL (Nos.)
a) PS (Including heavy mineral 175 ^ 150 25
studies)
b) PTS (Groove/grab/chip 500 ^ 377 23
samples)
c) PCS (Major / Trace / REE) 75 ^ 50 25
d) SEM-EDX studies 75 ^ 50 25
e) EPMA studies 75 ^ 50 25
f) Ore microscope studies 75 ^ 55 20
g) core sample 125$ 125
^ Revised / modified
$ New addition
PS Petrographic studies in the Petrology Division, Op: TNPK and ore microscopic studies will be
carried out in collaboration with Petrology Division, SR/PPOD Division, AMSE.
PTS PGE and trace element analysis will be carried out in the Regional Chemical Laboratory,
G.S.I., SR, Hyderabad.
PCS Major oxides will be analysed by XRF, trace elements and REE by ICP-MS in the Regional
Chemical Laboratory, G.S.I., SR, Hyderabad.
SEM- SEM-EDX studies in collaboration with SEM-Lab, CHQ.
EDX
EPMA EPMA studies in collaboration with Mineral Physics Division, SR.
The Sittampundi complex is a layered ultramafic-mafic sequence passing upwards from

pyroxenite to anorthosite through gabbro. Lenses and bands chromitite occur associated with the
pyroxenite and anorthosite. The PGE mineralisation is associated with the chromitite. The
Complex has been divided into Karungalpatti, Chettiampalaiyam and Tasampalaiyam Blocks for
operational conveniences.
Sundaram (1984) has brought out 18 prominent chromitite bands (band I to XVIII)
between Karungalpatti and Sittampundi. Subsequently, Shanmugham and Srinivasan (1989) and
AMSE Wing, GSI (1991-92) have carried out work in this belt. Sarma et al, (1994) has analysed
ten samples in the German Geological Survey. A collaborative programme has been taken up with
the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR) at Kalpakkam to analyse the samples for
PGE. All these studies have confirmed the incidence of PGE mineralisation in Sittampundi
Anorthosite Complex. Higher PGE values (>200 ppb) are recorded in chromitite associated with
pyroxenite. But a detailed assessment could not be made mainly due to analytical constraints.
Moreover, the investigation carried out so far was mainly restricted to limited area around
Karungalpatti.
During F.S. 2005-06, Nathan carried out an orientation survey in Karungalpatti area to
collect some close spaced samples. Based on the studies, two mineralised zones, one each in Band
III and IV have been delineated. The zone in Band III is 3 m wide with an average grade of 0.90
ppm of Pt and 0.66 ppm of Pd. The zone in Band IV is 1.6 m wide with an average grade of 0.97
ppm of Pt and 1.48 ppm of Pd.
In continuation of this, a two-year programme has been launched to investigate the

Chettiampalaiyam-Tasampalaiyam block (C-T block). During F.S. 2006-07, Nathan and
Balukkarasu carried out prospecting in the Chettiampalaiyam block. This block has been divided
into four sectors, C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 (from east to west). Based on the available analytical
data, a prominent mineralised zone has been traced for about 900m strike length. The average
grade / width of this zone is 1.68 ppm (Pt + Pd) / 1.55 m in the eastern part; 1.11 ppm (Pt + Pd) /
2.20 m in the central part and 0.70 ppm (Pt + Pd) / 1.20 m in the western part.
Petrographic studies supported by EPMA have indicated that the PGE-mineralised

chromitites are mainly made up of chromite (60 – 70%) and magnesio-hornblende / Tschermakite
with minor anthophylite. Talc and chlorite occur as alteration products of the ultramafics. The
chromite grains have analysed 35 – 42% Cr2O3 with considerable amount of spinel (30 – 35%)
and minor magnetite. Rutile is commonly associated with chromite. The host anorthosite gneiss is
essentially made up of high calcic plagioclase (labradorite – bytownite) hornblende and gederite
with accessory clinozoisite, epidote and opaques.
Preliminary SEM-EDX studies of the samples collected from the PGE mineralised zones
have indicated presence of certain discrete phases of Platinum Group Minerals (PGM) such as
Braggite (Pt, Pd,Os, Ru, S) Laurite (Ru, Os S) Irarsite (IrAsS), Cooperite (Pt S), Kotulkskite
(Pd,Te), Erlichmanite, Pt, Pd, Ni-Cu sulphide besides native platinum. The PGM phases are
mostly found as inclusions within the chromite indicating their early formation and entrapment in
the chromite grains. A distinct grain of gold is also found in association with PGM in the
chromitites.
The item was originally planned to cover the entire Chettiampalaiyam and
Tasampalaiyam blocks as the database available then indicated only one chromitite zone in the
Chettiampalaiyam block. As the large scale mapping and trenching carried out during F.S. 2006-
07 have brought out three parallel zones in the Chettiampalaiyam block, the area to be covered by
DM has increased and almost the entire target of detailed mapping has to be carried out in this
block alone to bring out all the PGE-mineralised zones. In view of this, detailed mapping of the
western part of Tasampalaiyam block remains to be carried out. Further, the LSM carried out
during F.S. 2007-08 in the western part of Tasampalaiyam block has resulted in delineating a
number of new chromitite bands trending in a WNW-ESE direction in the area north of
Chinnamapalaiyam upto Pusaripalaiyam in 58E/16. This area has to be investigated in detail by
closed spaced trenching to trace the strike continuity of the chromitite bands and to assess their
potentiality for PGE mineralisation.
It is therefore proposed to extend this item for one more year (F.S. 2008-09) with
additional in put to complete the detailed mapping, trenching and sampling of the entire
Tasampalaiyam block. Simultaneously, scout drilling will be carried out in the Chettiampalaiyam
Block over 900 m strike length of mineralised zone established by surface prospecting. It is also
proposed to carry out geophysical studies (detailed gravity and magnetic surveys) in the entire
belt to delineate the chromitite bands in the soil-covered areas. The present geological data is
based on scanty surface exposures and irrigation well data. Hence, geophysical work will be of
immense help in delineating the concealed chromitite bands. This will bring out a complete
picture about the PGE prospect in Sittampundi complex.
Operational area
DM
2006-07 NIL
2007-08 Within 110 13’ 30” to 110 16’ 30” N and 770 58’ 00” to 780 01’ 30” E
2008-09 Within 110 13’ 00” to 110 15’ 00” N and 770 54’ 00” to 770 57’ 00” E
Drilling Plan
4 / 5 X 80 / 100m Four or five inclined BH’s along positive trench profiles to probe 900 m
strike length to intersect the mineralised zone at 30m bgl.
PROJECT: PGE (METTUPPALAIYAM)

Programme: Rare Metal
Project Name: PGE Item No. 067
F S P Number
Field Season
2008-09 MIP SR TNP 2006 081
Participating Operational Unit (s) / Region (s) [Code (s) ]
CHEM SR PET OP: TNPK PET SR
PPOD AMSE SEM LAB CHQ EPMA LAB SR
GEOPHY SR
G e o g r a p h i c a l I n f o r m a t io n
State Code(s) District Code(s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet(s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt /Basin,
etc.
COIM,
TN 58 E 58 E/3,7 Moyar – Bhavani Shear Zone
ERODE
P e r s o n n e l
J. Prabhakar
INVESTIGATION FOR PLATINUM GROUP OF ELEMENTS IN
Title METTUPPALAIYAM, ULTRAMAFIC COMPLEX, SOLAVANUR –
KARAPPADI SECTOR, TAMIL NADU (P-II)
(if any) (Coded)
Keywords PGE, ULTRAMAFIC COMPLEX, METTUPPALAIYAM
Objective To delineate the potential zones of PGE mineralisation.

load of completion completed proposed for
envisaged b) Submission of upto June, FS 2008-09
interim report 2008
c) Circulation of
final report
1. LSM (1:12,500) (sq km) 200 a) 2008-09 200 NIL
2. DM (1:1000) (sq km) 1.8 ^ b) Annual 1.2 0.6
3. P&T (cu m) 450^ c) 2010 March 390 60
4. SMPL (Nos.)
a) PS (Including heavy 180^ 155 25
mineral studies)
b) PTS (Groove/grab/chip 400^ 260 140
/ BRS)
c) PCS (Major/Trace/REE) 70^ 50 20
d) SEM-EDX studies 60^ 45 15
e) EPMA studies 60^ 45 15
f) Ore microscope studies 60^ 45 15
^ Revised / modified
PS Petrographic studies in the Petrology Division, Op: TNPK and ore microscopic studies
will be carried out in collaboration with Petrology Division, SR/PPOD Division, AMSE.
PTS PGE and trace element analysis will be carried out in the Regional Chemical Laboratory,
G.S.I., SR, Hyderabad. Only 50 selected samples will be analysed for PGE
PCS Major oxides will be analysed by XRF, trace elements and REE by ICP-MS in the
Regional Chemical Laboratory, G.S.I., SR, Hyderabad.
SEM- SEM-EDX studies in collaboration with SEM-Lab, SR. Selected samples will be studied
EDX at CGL, CHQ, Kolkata.
EPMA EPMA studies in collaboration with Mineral Physics Division, SR.
The Mettuppalaiyam Ultramafic Complex (MUC) extends for about 60 km in an ENE-

WSW direction from Tamil Nadu upto Kerala state boundary south of Bhavani Sagar. The MUC
is represented by dismembered sequence of dunite, pyroxenite ± chromitite, garnet - pyroxene
granulite (eclogite?) garnetiferous gabbro, gabbroic anorthosite and anorthosite. These lithounits
occur as tightly folded ENE-WSW to E-W trending linear bodies within the amphibolite facies
gneisses. Gopalakrishnan (1972) carried out systematic geological mapping of this area. Selvan
(1974-77) carried out studies on the ultramafic and associated rocks in parts of Coimbatore
district within MUC to locate hidden ore bodies of Cu, Ni, Cr, Co, V, Ti and Au. Latter,
Gopalakrishnan and Shanmugham (1993-94) carried out preliminary investigation for PGE
mineralisation in Solavanur, Mallanayakappalayam and Karappadi areas. They have delineated a
total of ten bands of chromite bearing pyroxenite in this complex. Chromite occurs as
disseminations, clusters and granular segregations within the pyroxenite. Sparse disseminations of
pyrite and chalcopyrite are recorded within the pyroxenite. Due to analytical constraints, only a
few samples could be analysed for PGE. They have shown more than 50 ppb (upto 145 ppb) of Pt
and 45 to 50 ppb of Pd. These high values are obtained from samples of sheared, silicified and
chloritised pyroxenites.
Based on these encouraging PGE values, a detailed search has been launched in the
Solavanur-Mallanayakampalayam sector (Vijay Kumar and Prabhakar, 2006-07) to delineate
PGE rich zones. One of the trench samples in the Solavanur block has analysed PGE values
ranging from 1398 – 3158 ppb (Total of Pt, Pd, Rh, Ir, Ru). The rest of the samples from other
trenches / groove have analysed PGE values ranging from 14 – 137 ppb. Chandrasekaran and
Prabhakar (2007-08) are continuing the prospecting in the Solavanur block. A PGE mineralised
meta pyroxenite band has been traced for a length of more than 900 m with a maximum width of
7m (average width being 2.5). High PGE values, 244 ppb Pt and 522 ppb Pd for 225m over a
width of 6 m and 279 ppb Pt and 859 ppb Pd over a width of 2.5 m have been proved.
Petrographic studies from the mineralised meta-pyroxenite samples reveal that the rock is
medium to coarse grained and is essentially made up of amphiboles retrograded from pyroxenes
with minor opaques. Hornblende occurs as subhedral to anhedral grains showing pleochroism
from bluish green to dirty green and at places shows bent cleavage. Feeble iron stains are noticed
along cleavage planes. Few relict Opx (hypersthene) and Cpx (augite and diopide) are also
observed. The opaques are mostly magnetite which occur as discrete grains as well as released
opaques along the grain boundaries as well as along cleavage/fracture planes of pyroxenes /
amphiboles. Accessory minerals like epidote, spinel, magnetite and rare chromite are also
noticed.
The SEM-EDX study shows that the PGE mineralization is localized within the silicates
mineral phases and it occurs as minute inclusions that range in size from 3 – 25 microns. The
minor sulphides present are pyrite, chalcopyrite, pyrrhotite and galena. The majority of the PGM
inclusions are occupied in altered zone of Cpx / amphibole that is essentially composed of Cu-Fe-
Ca silicate. However, some minor PGM inclusions occur within the unaltered Cpx (Diopside) and
amphibole (hornblende). These inclusions do not occur selectively along any weak planes /
fractures, nor do they show any evidence of replacement and indicate a primary origin as discrete
phases from a magma enriched in PGE during the early crystallization and then entrapment in the
later formed silicates. A combination of two or more PGMs in a single sample is very common.
Native Platinum [Pt], Michenerite [PdBiTe], Maslovite [PtBiTe], Sperrylite [PtAs2], Pt-Ir alloy
and Os-Ru-S alloy, Pt-Pd-As alloy have been identified along with Au grains from the
metapyroxene samples of Solavanur area.
In view of the interesting results obtained in Solavanur block, DM was carried out in this
block to delineate all the metapyroxenite bands. Since the entire target of DM was completed in
Solavanur block, the Karappadi block could not be taken up. However, based on the LSM carried
out in Karappadi Block, an area of 1200 x 500 m has been demarcated with full of chromitite ore
floats. In this area, a chromite band has also been delineated for a strike length of about 450 m
with 30 – 40 cm width. A sample collected from this chromitite band has analysed 556 ppb of Pt
and 978 ppb of Pd. Further close spaced trenching and sampling are necessary to generate more
surface data for proper assessment of this block.
It is therefore proposed to extend the item for one more year (up to F.S. 2008-09), with
additional in put to complete the prospecting of the Karappadi block.
Operational area
2008-09 Karappadi Sector 11025’15” to 11026’30”N : 76016’30” to 77030’00” E
PROJECT: MOLYBDENUM

Programme: Strategic mineral
Project Name: MOLYBDENUM Item No.068
F S P Number
Field Season
2008- 09 MIE SR TNP 2008 053
CHEM TNPK
Geographical InformatIon
State Code(s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt
/ Basin, etc.
TN DHAR 57L L/8 Alkali-Carbonatite Province
Personnel
K. Raju
CONCEPT ORIENTED EXPLORATION FOR MOLYBDENUM IN THE
Title VELAMPATTI SOUTH BLOCK, HARUR – UTTANGARAI
MOLYBDENUM BELT (HUB), DHARMAPURI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU
Keywords EXPLORATION, MOLYBDENUM, DHARMAPURI
To test the strike extension, depth persistence and potentials of the hitherto
Objective unexplored foot wall shear zone (exposed in the exploratory mine by MECL) in the
Velampatti South Block

Nature of work Total work a) Expected year Work already Work proposed
load of completion completed up to for 2008-2009
envisaged b) Submission of June 2008
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
Drilling (m) 800 a) 2008-09 New item 800
(K.449) b) Annual
P & T (cum) 100 c) 2010 March 100
SMPL (nos.)
a. Groove/PTS # 50 50
b. CS # 300 300
# The samples will be analysed for Mo, Ag, Cu at the Chemical Lab., OP: TNP&K, Chennai
Selected samples will be analysed for Re by outsourcing.
Background information
Exploration for molybdenum has been carried out in the Harur - Uttangarai Belt (HUB)
in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu for the last two decades. Molybdenum is confined to a 20 to
100m wide NNE trending shear zone, disposed from Nochchipatti in the north to Velampatti in
the south. River Ponnaiyar that flows E-W, divides this belt into two parts; the northern
Uttangarai Sector and the southern Harur Sector. Charnockite and epidote hornblende gneiss
(EHG) with concordant bands of quartzo - feldspathic gneiss (QFG) constitutes the country rock.
Molybdenite predominantly occurs as fine powdery coating along fracture surfaces. It also occurs
as fine-grained aggregates to some extent. The mineralisation is confined to a shear zone (I order
control). The quartz veins (II order control) emplaced in the shear zone are the carrier of
mineralisation.
Since the first report of Mo in this belt (Rao,1976), intense exploration has been carried
out in the subsequent years. Nagal (1977) and Selvan (1978, 1980 and 1981) carried out
investigation in the Velampatti Blocks. They have recorded that the quartz vein, the career of Mo
mineralisation, is emplaced along shallow easterly dipping planes cutting across the steeply
dipping shear foliation. It was further stated that these quartz veins occur one below the other
within the shear zone and a number of them were intersected in a few vertical borehole drilled
during the investigation. Subsequently, Singanenjam et al (1994), Palanisamy et al (1994),
Palanisamy et al (1995), Shanmugham et al (1995), Palanisamy et al (1997), Chandrasekaran
(1997), Palanisamy et al (1999), Srinivasan et al (2002), Nagarajan (2002), Radhakrishnan (2003)
and Balasubramanian (2004) carried out exploration in this belt.
The exploration carried out by GSI so for in this belt has delineated a shallow to
moderately (300 to 450) easterly dipping shear zone (I order control). Based on the
recommendations made by GSI, TAMIN has carried out exploratory mining in the Velampatti
South Block through MECL. The exploratory mine has been carried out along profile N-3.
G.S.I. had earlier drilled two boreholes (VS-4 and VS-13A) along this profile to intersect the
mineralised shear zones at two levels. A shallow to moderately easterly dipping shear zone has
been established during this drilling. The borehole VS-4 has intersected 14.5 m wide shear zone
in which two loads (1.45 m x 0.646 % Mo and 3.25 m x 0.047 % Mo) have been demarcated. The
borehole VS-13A drilled to probe the shear zone at a deeper level had intersected 3 m wide shear
zone with an average assay of 0.056 % Mo.
However, the exploratory mine has exposed another shear zone in the footwall side of the
moderately dipping shear zone explored by GSI. This is more prominent and reported to be
productive. Both these shear zones appear to converge on the surface.
In order to corroborate this, a concept oriented drilling programme has been carried out in
the Vellakkal Central Block (Balasubramanian 2007). The existence of the near vertical shear
zone in addition to the shallow dipping shear zone has been confirmed during this investigation.
However the width of the shear zone intersected by the borehole is very limited compared to the
exposed width on the surface, possibly due to the pinching and swelling nature of the near
vertical shear zone. Dip wise pinching and swelling is evident from the drill data as well as the
data from exploratory mine. Strike wise pinching and swelling of the shear zone has also been
recorded on the surface.
Thus, there arise a need to re-orient the concept regarding the disposition of the controls
of mineralisation in the HUB. The shear zone, as presumed earlier, is the primary control of
mineralisation. The exploratory data generated by GSI in this belt inter alia demonstrates that
shallow to moderately dipping shear zone alone has been recognised and prospected in this belt.
However, the intersection of a near vertical shear zone in the exploratory mine on the footwall
side of the shallow dipping shear zone at Velampatti South Block and in the drilling at Vellakkal
Central Block has opened up a completely new avenue. This steeply dipping shear zone appears
to be more prominent and promising as suggested by MECL during their exploratory mining.
Thus, it becomes necessary to establish the existence and the strike continuity of the sub-vertical
shear zone in this area.
The quartz vein within the shear zone is the second order control of mineralisation. The
quartz vein vis-à-vis mineralisation has been presumed as a tabular body dipping along with the
shear zone. However, the outcrop pattern, trench sections as well as the mine section have amply
demonstrated that most of the quartz veins are sub-horizontal in disposition and are subjected to
tectonism. The sub-horizontal nature of the quartz bodies has been clearly recorded in different
blocks (Selvan, T.A 1979-81 and Srinivasan et al, 2002). It was further suggested, based on drill
data that a number of quartz vein occurs at depth (Selvan, T.A 1979-81). This has been fully
vouched by the MECL exploratory mine. Since the mineralisation is spatially closely associated
with the quartz veins, it is logical to presume that the ore shoots are likely to follow the shape of
the quartz bodies. This has been clearly exposed in the MECL mine, where the ore shoots occur
as shallow easterly dipping lenses with a quartz core.
In the light of these observations, it is proposed to launch a concept-oriented exploration

in the Velampatti South Block to confirm the persistence and if so the potentials of the hitherto
unexplored sub-vertical shear zone exposed in the MECL exploratory mine on the footwall side
of the shallow dipping shear zone.
DRILLING PLAN
Initially, it is proposed to intersect the both the shear zones at two levels (50 and 100 m
bgl) by drilling four inclined boreholes over a strike length of 200 m at 100 m interval. This will,
inter alia, provide information regarding the depth behaviour of the shear zone. Depending on the
configuration of the steeply dipping shear zone, further drilling will be planned to assess its
potentials.
Operational Area
2008-09 Velampatti South 120 01’ – 120 10’ 780 26’ 05” – 78 26’ 10” 57 L/8
Block
PROJECT: NATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING

Programme: Geochemical Mapping
Project Name: GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING Item No. 069
F S P Number
Field Season
2008- 09 GCM SR TNP 2007 056
CHEM OP: TNPK CHEM SR
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree sheet (s) Toposheets Mineral / Tectonic Belt /
Basin, etc.
Tamil Nadu PERA, VILL, SALE 58 I 58I/ 2, 3
Personnel
U. Chidambaranathan S. Dhanendran T.K.Prabhakar (Chemist)
GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING IN PARTS OF SALEM AND NAMAKKAL
Title
DISTRICTS OF TAMIL NADU (TOPOSHEET NOS. 58I/2 AND I/3)
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
GEOCHEMICAL, PERAMBALUR, SALEM, VILLUPURAM, CRETACEOUS,
Keywords
SEDIMENTARIES
To generate geochemical baseline data for use in managing / developing natural
Objective resources and for application in environmental, agricultural, public health and other
social concern.

Nature of work Total work a) Expected year Work already Work proposed
load envisaged of completion completed upto for 2008-09
b) Submission of June, 2008
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
1) GCM (sq km) 1440 a) 2008-09 672 720
(1:50,000) b) Annual
SMPL (Nos.) c) 2010 March
a. S 1440 (360)* 672(167) 720 (180) *
b. R 18 7 9
c. W 18 - 9
d. C 18 7 9
e. H 18 - 9
f. F AN - AN
* Figures in bracket indicates number of composite samples
Note:
1. Stream sediment samples from 1st or 2nd order streams at a suitable site above the confluence with
the 3rd order stream. In the absence of streams, slope wash material may be collected. Sampling
density: one per 1 sq km area (may vary depending upon the terrain condition, especially in
mountain/desert/coastal areas/marsh land/virgin forest area, in such cases justification of reduction
in target should be mentioned in the back ground information). Mention the number of composite
samples in parentheses under the column ‘ Total work load envisaged’.
2. Soil samples to be collected from C-horizon (~25 cm depth). Sampling density: 1 per 5’ x 5’ grid.
3. Regolith to be collected from upper horizon / top soil after removing the top organic layer (if
present). Sampling density: one per 5’ x 5’ grid.
4. Water samples to be collected from flowing streams (filtered and unfiltered), preferably from the
site where the stream sediment sample is collected. Water sampling to be done during post
monsoon period by chemists along with the geologist. Sampling density: one per 5’ x 5’ grid.
5. Humus samples to be collected after proper diagnosis, wherever possible (maximum sampling
density; one per 5’ x 5’ grid).
6. Flood plain samples to be collected in case of river basins spanning 500 to 1000 sq km are within
the toposheet. The selection of the proper site will require identification of the river basins on a
degree sheet level.
7. Number of duplicate samples may be restricted to 3 to 5 percent of the total samples collected.
8. Chemical analysis of the samples (different media) will be done by designated chemical
laboratories as per the sample analysis packages.
A programme of National Geochemical Mapping has been initiated since F.S. 2001-02 in
the central parts of Tamil Nadu, covering 58 J/5 with a view to bring out the distribution spectrum
of various elements. Subsequently, 58 I/4,7,8,11,12,15 and 16 has been covered up to F.S. 2006-
07. Thus, a total of 8 toposheets have been completed under this programme up to F.S. 2006-07.
In continuation of this, geochemical sampling in 58 I/2 and 3 has been proposed during
F.S.2007-08 as a two-year programme.
Geology of 58 I/3
The area covered by 58 I / 3 have been taken up initially during F.S.2007-08. The area is
confined between 11º15’ - 11º30’ N and 78º00’ - 78º15’ N. The terrain is undulatory with a few
hillocks. The maximum elevation is ∆951 m. The general slope of the country is towards south.
In general, hard resistant rocks such as charnockite, banded magnetite quartzite, anorthosite and
basic dykes occupy the hills, the linear ridges and rocky knolls while gneisses cover the plain
country. The western part of the area is drained by Tirumanimuttar River, which flows towards
south, southwesterly direction. Rock types belonging to Sittampundi – Mettuppalaiyam
ultrabasic / ultramafic complex, Khondalite and Charnockite Groups, PGC – I and II are disposed
in this area. Basic and acid rocks intrude them. The area contains iron ore in Nainarmalai and
small occurrences of chromite and corundum within anorthosite in the southwest around
Karungalpatti. Charnockite and the migmatitic gneisses are used as building stone and road
metal. The famous Sittampundi Anorthosite Complex occurs in the southwest. Prospecting for
PGE mineralisation is currently being carried out in this complex.
Geology of 58 I/2
The area covered by 58I/2 will be taken up for Geochemical mapping during F.S. 2008-
09. The area is confined between 11º30’ - 11º45’ N and 78º00’ - 78º15’ E. A number of high hills
and intervening plains with isolated rocky knolls characterise the area. The maximum elevation is
1045 m in the southeast. The southerly flowing Tirumanimuttar River and its tributaries drain the
area. The area exposes rocks belonging to PGC-I, Charnockite Group and PGC-II. Basic dykes
and ultramafic rocks intrude these rocks. Recent alluvium has developed on either side of
Tirumanimuttar River. The general trend of the fabric is NE-SW with moderate dips towards
NW. The area contains quite a few mineral deposits of economic importance. The Kanjamalai
hills contain low-grade magnetite ore. The Chalk Hills contain the largest magnesite deposit of
the country developed over sepentinised ultramafics. Minor incidence of chromite has also been
recorded in Chalk Hills. The altered ultramafics of the Sathyamangalam Group show steatite
development at a few places. Charnockite and gneisses are useful as building stone and road
metal. A number of quartz veins are present in the area.
STATUS OF SAMPLING UNDER PROJECT: NGCM IN TAMIL NADU
GCM Sample
Topo-
F.S (sq Analysis received
sheet S (C) R W C H F Total
km)
58 J/5 720 784 9 - 9 9 9 232 XRF (20 elements)
2001-02 (^) (196) ICPMS (32 elements)
AAS (Li, Cs)
58 I/8 720 784 9 - 9 9 - 223 XRF (20 elements)
2002-03 (^) (196) ICPMS (32 elements)
AAS (Li, Cs)
58 I/4 720 784 9 - 9 9 - 214 XRF (20 elements)
2003-04 (^) (196) ICPMS (32 elements)
AAS (Li, Cs)
58 I/12 720 784 9 - 9 3 3 220 XRF (26 elements)
2004-05 (^)
(196) ICPMS (22 elements)
58 I/11 748 756 9 3 9 - - 217 ICPMS (22 elements)
(196)
58 I/16 720 756 9 3 9 - 1 218 ICPMS (22 elements)
2005-06 (^) (196) ICPMS & Wet Chemical
/ AAS analysis
pertaining to three water
samples received
58 I/15 756 756 9 - 9 - 8 222
NIL
(196)
58 I/7 741 741 9 4 9 - - 214 ICPMS & Wet Chemical
2006-07 (+)
(196) / AAS analysis
pertaining to four water
samples received
58I/3
2007-08 Under progress
58I/6
(^) Analytical results for 32 elements and REE have been received for composite
samples.
(+) Samples with Chemical lab., SR
Project Name: GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING Item No. 070
F S P Number
Field Season
2008- 09 GCM SR TNP 2007 057
CHEM OP: TNPK CHEM SR
State Code(s) District Code(s) Degree sheet(s) Toposheets Mineral/Tectonic Belt/Basin
etc.
TN SALE, NAMA, 58 I 58I/6, 10 Moyar-Bhavani-Attur
VILL lineament
Personnel
A.P.S. Parihar T. Mullaivendhan S.N. Mariappan
GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING IN PARTS OF SALEM, NAMAKKAL AND
Title VILLUPURAM DISTRICTS OF TAMIL NADU (TOPOSHEET NOS. 58I/6
AND 10)
(if any)(Coded)
GEOCHEMICAL, VILLUPURAM, SALEM, NAMAKKAL,
Keywords
KHONDALITE
To generate geochemical baseline data for use in managing / developing natural
Objective resources and for application in environmental, agricultural, public health and
other social concern.

load of completion completed up proposed
envisaged b) Submission of to June, 2008 for 2008-09
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
1440 a) 2008-09 320 1080
1. Geochemical b) Annual
Mapping at scale c) 2010 March
1:50,000 (sq km)
2. Samples (nos) 1440 (360)* 320 (72) 1080 (270)*
i) Stream sediments /
slope wash
ii) Soil C-horizon 18 3 13
iii) Regolith 18 3 13
iv) Water 18 - 13
v) Humus 18 - 13
vi) Flood Plain AN - AN
sediment
vii) Duplicate 70 - 52
3. Chemical analysis As per - As per
package package
* Figures in bracket indicates number of composite samples
Note:
1. Stream sediment samples from 1st or 2nd order streams at a suitable site above the confluence with
the 3rd order stream. In the absence of streams, slope wash material may be collected. Sampling
density: one per 1 sq km area (may vary depending upon the terrain condition, especially in
mountain/desert/coastal areas/marsh land/virgin forest area, in such cases justification of reduction
in target should be mentioned in the back ground information). Mention the number of composite
samples in parentheses under the column ‘ Total work load envisaged’.
2. Soil samples to be collected from C-horizon (~25 cm depth). Sampling density: 1 per 5’ x 5’ grid.
3. Regolith to be collected from upper horizon / top soil after removing the top organic layer (if
present). Sampling density: one per 5’ x 5’ grid.
4. Water samples to be collected from flowing streams (filtered and unfiltered), preferably from the
site where the stream sediment sample is collected. Water sampling to be done during post
monsoon period by chemists along with the geologist. Sampling density: one per 5’ x 5’ grid.
5. Humus samples to be collected after proper diagnosis, wherever possible (maximum sampling
density; one per 5’ x 5’ grid).
6. Flood plain samples to be collected in case of river basins spanning 500 to 1000 sq km are within
the toposheet. The selection of the proper site will require identification of the river basins on a
degree sheet level.
7. Number of duplicate samples may be restricted to 3 to 5 percent of the total samples collected.
A programme of National Geochemical Mapping has been initiated since F.S. 2001-02 in
the central parts of Tamil Nadu, covering 58 J/5 with a view to bring out the distribution spectrum
of various elements. Subsequently, 58 I/4,7,8,11,12,15 and 16 has been covered up to F.S. 2006-
07. Thus, a total of 8 toposheets have been completed under this programme up to F.S. 2006-07.
In continuation of this, geochemical sampling in 58 I/6 and 10 has been proposed during
F.S.2007-08 as a two-year programme.
Geology of 58 I/6
During F.S.2007-08, part of 58 I / 6 has been taken up for Geochemical mapping. The
area is confined between 11º30’ - 11º45’ N and 78º15’ - 78º30’ E. It is mostly a hilly terrain with
intervening undulating plains. The elevation ranges between 260 and 970 m. The slope is
towards east. A number of streams issuing from the hills join to form an easterly flowing
Varishta Nadi in northeast. Innumerable wells cater to the needs of agricultural activities. High-
grade metamorphic rocks belonging to the Archaean /Palaeo-Proterozoic age are the dominant
litho units. These rocks are intruded by basic and acid intrusives of Meso to Neo-Proterozoic age.
The various high-grade rock types exposed in the area are grouped under Sittampundi –
Mettuppalaiyam ultrabasic / ultramafic complex, Khondalite and Charnockite Groups belonging
to Southern Granulite Complex, Peninsular Gneissic Complex-II and Younger Intrusives. The
general trend of foliation is ENE-WSW with moderate to steep dips on either side, resulting in a
series of antiforms and synforms. Pyroxene granulite and banded magnetite quartzite defines the
regional fold pattern with near E-W to ENE-WSW axial traces in the central and northeastern
part. The area contains a few economic minerals, which include iron ores, magnesite and steatite
derived from altered ultramafic rocks and quartz. Charnockite and gneisses are useful as building
stone and road metal. Un-sheared dolerite dykes are used as dimension stone.
Geology of 58 I/10
The area is bounded by latitude 11º30’ - 11º45’ and longitude 78º30’ - 78º45’. The relief
ranges from 180 m to ∆ 1298 m above MSL. The hills are covered with dense forests. The
general slope of the country is towards east in the central part. The area is drained by Vasishta
Nadi (Vellar) formed by a number of streams issuing from the surrounding hill ranges. The river
flows in an easterly direction. Dug wells and dug-cum-bore wells mainly cater to the agricultural
need of the area. The various rock types of the area can be classified under Basic / Ultra basics,
Charnockite Group, Peninsular Gneissic Complex – II, basic and Younger Intrusives. The
Charnockite group comprises charnockite, pyroxene granulite, pyroxene and banded magnetite
quartzite. The Peninsular Gneissic Complex – II consists of hornblende-biotite gneiss and
quartzo feldspathic gneiss. Basic dykes of dolerite composition intrude these rocks. A few of the
dykes are traceable up to 5.5 km with a maximum width of 25 m. The area in the southwest and
east is intruded by pink granite. It is medium to coarse grained and consists of quartz, potash
feldspars and a few flakes of biotite. Pegmatite and quartz veins occur as veins within the
migmatitic country. The area shows polyphase deformation. A major shear (Gangavalli shear) is
traced in the eastern part trending NE-SW. The shear has a width of about 500 m to 900 m.
Subsequent shears and faults developed along E-W to ENE-WSW directions have offset the
Gangavalli shear. The charnockite and gneiss of the area are useful as building stones and road
metal.
Note: During F.S. 2007-08, only one officer was allotted to this project. Part of 58I/6 has been
covered.
During F.S. 2008-09, the remaining part of 58I/6 will be covered in addition to 58 I/10.
STATUS OF SAMPLING UNDER PROJECT: NGCM IN TAMIL NADU
Topo- GCM Sample

F.S Analysis received
sheet (sq km) S (C) R W C H F Total
58 J/5 720 784 9 - 9 9 9 232 XRF (20 elements)
2001-02 (^) (196) ICPMS (32 elements)
AAS (Li, Cs)
58 I/8 720 784 9 - 9 9 - 223 XRF (20 elements)
2002-03 (^) (196) ICPMS (32 elements)
AAS (Li, Cs)
58 I/4 720 784 9 - - 9 - 214 XRF (20 elements)
2003-04 (^) (196) ICPMS (32 elements)
AAS (Li, Cs)
58 I/12 720 784 9 - 9 3 3 220 XRF (26 elements)
2004-05 (^)
(196) ICPMS (22 elements)
58 I/11 748 756 9 3 9 - - 217 ICPMS (22 elements)
(196)
58 I/16 720 756 9 3 9 - 1 218 ICPMS (22 elements)
(196) ICPMS & Wet
2005-06 (^)
Chemical / AAS
analysis pertaining to
three water samples
received
58 I/15 756 756 9 - 9 - 8 222
NIL
(196)
58 I/7 741 741 9 - 9 - - 214 ICPMS & Wet
2006-07 (+) (196) Chemical / AAS
analysis pertaining to
four water samples
received
58I/3
2007-08 Under progress
58I/6
(^) Analytical results for trace elements and REE have been received for composite samples
(+) Samples with Chemical lab., SR
CHEMICAL DIVISION

FSP: 2008-09 G. Nagaraj
Service Item: SER/SR/TNP/2008/054 T.K. Prabhakar
No. of
Sl. No. Projects Remarks
samples
1 MIE (Mo) 400 Samples to be analysed for Mo, Ag and Cu
2 Iron ore 500 Samples to be analysed for total Fe, SiO2, Al2O3 and
P
3 NGCM As necessary Samples will be sent by SR
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY DIVISION
Mission: Engineering Geology and Geotechnical Investigations

Programme: Hydro Electric and Irrigation Projects
Division / Project Name : ENGINEERING GEOLOGY Item No.072
(TAMIL NADU)
F S P Number
Field Season
Type Code Comm. Code Region Code Op. Unit Year of initiation S l. No.
2008-09 EG C SR TNP 2008 055
NAME OF SPONSOR (S): NWDA, PWD, TAMIL NADU, TAMIL NADU
ELECTRICITY BOARD
State District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Mineral /
Code (s) Tectonic Belt /
Basin, etc.
TN COIM, EROD, NILG, VELL, DIND, 58 A, E, F, I, G & H
KARU, TIRN, TIRU, THEN 57 I, L & P
P e r s o n n e l
R. Srinivasan (PT) K. Jayabalan (PT) P.C.D. Mony (PT) S. Chandrasekaran (PT)
GEOTECHNICAL EVALUATION OF WATER RESOURCES
Title
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN TAMIL NADU
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
WATER, RESOURCE, RESERVOIR, IRRIGATION, HYDEL, POWER,
Keywords FEASIBILITY, CONSTRUCTION
To render geotechnical advice in the selection and feasibility of sites and during
Objective construction stage of dams, tunnels, pressure shafts, power house, slope stability
of canals, safety of dams, etc.
A number of developmental projects for harnessing the water resources for irrigation,
drinking water supply, and hydroelectric power are on the anvil. The project features include,
storage /diversion dams, water conducting systems, tunnels, shafts & canals and powerhouses.
The Public Works Department and Electricity Board of Government of Tamil Nadu sponsor
these items. The projects are located in various geological milieu. Geotechnical evaluation for
these projects includes detailed mapping on various scales, logging of drill cores, 3D logging
of tunnels and interpretation of data. These are intended to optimise the project layouts,
forewarning and surmounting construction and post-construction problems. It gives general
and site-specific remedial measures, as warranted, based on geotechnical inputs.
Tamil Nadu State is the pioneer in harnessing its water resources both in terms of
irrigation and power. While most of the dams of these projects are more than 3 to 5 decades
old, the age of several irrigation dams range up to a century. These are regarded as low
probability but high-risk hazards. Therefore, under the Dam Safety Assurance and
Rehabilitation Project (DSARP), preparation of geological documents leading to assessment of
health status of large dams, monitoring and inspection of the same taken up periodically are to
be continued.
The projects under various stages requiring geotechnical investigations are as follows:
A. Projects under Preliminary and Pre-construction Stage

Sl. Toposheet Year of
Project Sponsor
No. No. Commencement
1. Kundah Pumped Storage HEP 58 A/11 1961, 1983 TNEB
2. India Based Neutrino Observatory 58 A/10 2001 DAE
Project, Nilgiri District
3. Coimbatore City Water Supply 58 A/15
Additional Scheme
B. Projects Under Construction / Post construction Stage

Project Sponsor
1. Bhavani Barrage – II HE Project 58 E 1997 TNEB
2. Bhavani Kattalai Barrage III HEP 58 E 1997 TNEB
3. Malattar Reservoir Project, Vellore 57 L/9 2003 PWD
district
4. Kallar Odai Irrigation Project 58 I/16 2006 PWD
5. Mambazhathuraiyar Reservoir Project 58 E 1997 TNEB
6. Kollihills HEP, Namakkal District 58 I
7. Studies for Geological Documentation 1998 TNEB & PWD
of TNEB & PWD Dams.
8. Dam Safety – Phase I 3rd Cycle 58 A/15 & 1998 TNEB & PWD
Inspection of TNEB & PWD DAMS 58 F/3
In addition to the above items, there are many projects for which advice may be
sought if required. These projects will be taken up based on demand.
C. Listed Items
Sl.N Toposheet Year of
Project Sponsor
o. No. commencement
1. Cauvery – Vaigai – Gundar Link Canal Project 2001 NWDA
2. Bhavani-Kattalai Barrage HEP, Namakkal 58 E/15 1993 TNEB
District
3. Mathallapallam Reservoir Project, Dharmapuri 58 H/11 2006 PWD
District
4. Post Construction Problems of TNEB Projects 2004 TNEB
5. Post Construction Problems of PWD Projects 2001 PWD
6. Natural Hazards
Programme: Hydro Electric and Irrigation Projects
Item No.073
Division/Project Name : ENGINEERING GEOLOGY (KERALA)
Field F S P Number
Season Type Code Comm. Code Region Code Op. Unit Year of initiation S l.No.
2008-09 EG C SR TNP 2008 056
NAME OF SPONSOR(S) KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD, IRRIGATION DEPT.,

(IF ANY) P.W.D., KERALA
State Code Mineral / Tectonic Belt /
District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s)
(s) Basin, etc.
IDUK, WYNA, TVM, PALA, 58 B, C & A
KRL
TRIC, KOTT, KNR 49 M
P e r s o n n e l
R. Srinivasan (PT) K. Jayabalan (PT) P.C.D. Mony (PT) S. Chandrasekaran (PT)
GEOTECHNICAL EVALUATION OF WATER RESOURCES
Title
DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN KERALA
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
WATER, RESOURCE, RESERVOIR, IRRIGATION, HYDEL. POWER,
Keywords FEASIBILITY, CONSTRUCTION, KERALA
To render geotechnical advice in the selection and feasibility of sites and during
Objective construction stage of dams, tunnels, pressure shafts, power house, slope stability of
canals etc.
To meet the ever-growing demand for water and power, several irrigation and hydel
projects are being taken up in Kerala for investigation and construction. GSI is intimately
associated with such projects since long and continue to render geotechnical services from the
selection of sites, thro' construction and also during post construction problems. The components
for which the geotechnical advices are offered are dams, weirs, tunnels, shafts, adits, power
channels, powerhouses and canals. The works carried out include geological mapping of the
sites, logging of drill cores, 3 D logging of tunnels, geotechnical evaluation, identifying problems
and offering remedial measures.
A list of projects requiring geotechnical investigation is provided.

A. Projects under Preliminary & Pre-construction Stages
Project Sponsor
1. Achankoil HE Scheme, Pathanamthitta 58 G/4 1981 KSEB
District
2. Mangulam Small Hydro Electric Project 58 B/16 1985 KSEB
3. Meenanchal River Valley Project 58 B/13 2005 Irrigation
Dept, Kerala
4. Barapole HE Stage I Project, Kozhikode 48 M/13 2005 KSEB
District
5. Barapole HE Stage II Project, Kozhikode 48 M/13 2006 KSEB
District
6. Chembukkadavu Small HE Scheme Stage 58 A/3 2006 KSEB
III, Kozhikode District
7. Chelikkal Ar HE Scheme, Pathinamthitta 58 G/4 KSEB
District
8. Anakkampoil Small HE Scheme, Kozhikode 58 A/3 2006 KSEB
District
9. Kandapanchal Small HE Scheme, Kozhikode 58 A/3 2006 KSEB
District
Pathankayam Small HE Scheme, Kozhikode 58 A/3 2006 KSEB
10.
District
11. Olikkal Small HEP, Kozhikode District 58 A/3 2006 KSEB
12. Peechi Small HEP, Kozhikode District 58 B/6 2006 KSEB
13. Upper Kallar Small HEP, Idukki District. 58 B/16 2006 KSEB
14. Arippara Small HE Project, Kozhikode 58 A/3 2007 EMC
District
B. Construction / Post construction Stage

Year of
Sl.N
Project Toposheet No. Commen Sponsor
o.
-cement
1. Sengulam Tail Race Scheme, Idukki 58 G/1 KSEB
District
2. Thottiyar HEP, Idukki District 49 M/14 1975 KSEB
3. Pallivasal Extension Scheme, Idukki 58 F/4 1982 KSEB
district
4. Poozhithode HEP, Kozhikode District 58 A
In addition to the above items, GSI may be requested to carry out geotechnical investigations
for the following Projects. They will be taken up based on the response from the sponsor agencies:
C. Listed Items
Year of
Sl.
Project Toposheet No. commen- Sponsor
No.
cement
a) Sengulam Augmentation scheme, Idukki 58 F/4 1998 KSEB
District
b) Chalipuzha HEP, Wyanad and 58 A/2 1974 KSEB
Malappuram districts
c) Natural Hazards
d) Tower Foundation Studies for Power Grid
Corporation
PROJECT: LANDSLIDE
Programme: Landslide Hazard Evaluation - Township
Division/ Project Name: LANDSLIDE Item No.074
F S P Number
Field Season
2008–09 LHZ SR TNP 2008 057
1. EG DIVISION TNKP 1. GEOTECHNICAL LAB SR
2. GEODATA 2.GEOPHYISICS DIVISION
State Code (s) District Code Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt / Basin,
(s) etc.
TN NILG 58 A 58 A/11
Personnel
C. Thanavelu (PT) V.Rama Murthy (PT) (GP) S.Srinivas (PT) (GP)
DETAILED SITE SPECIFIC STUDY AND MONITORING OF SLIDES ON
Title
THE ELK HILLS, OOTY TALUK, NILGIRI DISTRICT.
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
CAUSATIVE FACTORS, SITE SPECIFIC STUDY, REMEDIAL

Keywords
MEASURES.
Detailed study and monitory of landslides for identifying the causative factors
Objective
and suggesting appropriate remedial measures.
Nature, Quantum of Work and Time Schedule

load of completion already proposed for
envisaged b) Submission of completed 2008-09
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
1) DM (1:1000/2000) 0.15(Sq. km) a) 2008-09 New 0.15
2) Geological Profile 2 b) Annual 2
(1:1000/2000) c) 2010 March
3) Electrical Resistivity 8 8
Sounding #
4) Slope Stability Analysis As Necessary As Necessary
5) Installation of Survey As Necessary As Necessary
Pillars
6) SMPL (nos.)
Soil sample @ 10 10
7) Proposal for As Necessary As Necessary
Instrumentation
# - Electrical resistivity sounding will be carried out by the geophysical Division, SR
@ - Engineering properties will be determined at SR, EG Lab.

Geological Survey of India is engaged in carrying out landslide studies in Nilgiri for the
last three decades. The focus is on detailed site-specific studies of vulnerable areas and
monitoring the potential slides that could cause loss of life and property. Studies were carried out
in Coonoor during F.S. 2006-07 (Hospital Slide) and FS 2007-08 (Siddhi Vinayagar Koil Street
and Muthu Mariamman Koil Street slides). In continuation of this, during F.S. 2008-09, it is
proposed to take up the thickly populated Elk Hills in Udhagamandalam Taluk for site-specific
study. The Elk Hills is located about 1.5 km south of Udhagamandalam (Ooty) town, adjacent to
Coonoor Road. Landslide has been reported from the Elk Hills in the past. The northeastern flank
of the Hill has been severely affected by a slide during the 1978 monsoon. The landslide history
of the Elk Hills suggests that it is predominantly a debris slide. The overburden thickness is 10-
12 m. The slope is fairly steep. The relative relief is about 100 m. During the last three decades,
the population in the Hills has gone up many folds as a sequel to heavy urbanisation and tourist
influx, exerting severe strain on geoenvironmental parameters.
Under the circumstances, reactivation of the slide could be disastrous. Hence, detailed
study will help to identify the potential parameters of slide for monitoring, mitigating and
forewarning.
OPERATIONAL AREA:
Elk Hills 11°24'00 N 76°42'30” E 58A/11

Programme: Landslide Hazard Evaluation – Township
Division/ Project Name : LANDSLIDE Item No. 075
F S P Number
Field Season
2008–09 LHZ SR TNP 2008 058
EG DIVISION TNKP GEOTECHNICAL LAB SR
GEODATA
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt /
Basin, etc.
PARTS OF 58
TN DING 58 F
F/7, 8, 11, 12
Personel
C. Thanavelu (PT)
LAND SLIDE HAZARD ZONATION (LHZ) ON MACRO SCALE IN HILLS
Title SURROUNDING KODAIKANAL TOWN, DINDIGUL DISTRICT, TAMIL
NADU.
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
Keywords LANDSLIDE HAZARD, MACROSCALE, SUSCEPTIBILITY, SLOPE

MORPHOMETRY, LANDSLIDE INCIDENCE.
Macrozonation of Landslide Hazards in the hills surrounding the Kodaikanal Town
Objective
and its neighbourhood.
Nature of work Total a) Expected year Work already Work
work load of completion completed upto proposed
envisaged b) Submission of June 2008 for 2008-09
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report
a) LHZ on macro scale 700 a) 2008-09 New 350
(1:50,000) (sq km) b) Annual
Preparation of following thematic c) 2010 March
maps by utilising toposheets and
available satellite imagery as a
prefield study
a. Slope Facet Map
b. Slope Morphometry
c. Relative Relief
d. Lithology
e. Structure
f. Hydrogeology
g. Landuse
h. Landcover
i. Slope Erosion
j. Average Rain Fall
k. Landslide Incidence.
b) Field Check
c) Landslide Inventory
Kodaikanal is located in southern Tamil Nadu at + 2100 m elevation. It is the second

important hill station of the State. Its salubrious weather and serene atmosphere attracts a steady
stream of tourists.
Kodaikanal forms part of the Palani Hills which extend for about 2000 sq. km. area out of
which about half is reserved forest. In the remaining half, anthropological activities have caused
many slope failures. From the landslide inventory carried out during the Field Season 2007-08, 18
slides have been brought to record around Kodaikkanal.
Road corridors are the worst affected in case of landslides. Hence, during the Field
Season 2007-08, Palani-Kodaikanal and Ganguvarpatti-Kodaikanal roads were taken up for
Landslide Hazard Zonation on Macro scale covering 1 km on either side of road for a distance of
100 km. Now, it is proposed to extend the studies to 700 sq. km area surrounding Kodaikanal on
the same scale with an objective of preparation of a comprehensive Landslide Hazard Zonation
Map (LHZM). Similar studies have already been carried out for the Nilgiri Hills in eighties and a
special publication has been brought out by GSI. Such studies and Landslide Hazard Zonation
will form the basis for planning the development of the hilly terrain.
It is proposed to prepare the LHZM on 1: 50,000 scale as per the GSI guidelines
(Modified BIS Guidelines). The studies include a pre-field study and field work. During the pre-
field study, remote sensing techniques will be applied for the preparation of different thematic
maps. Database will be created on geology, geomorphology, land use/land cover, structure,
geotechnical properties, soil characteristics, rainfall and landslide incidences. The field inputs
include data on geology, landslide incidences, anthropological activities, collection of samples to
determine the geotechnical properties etc. for arriving at Landslide Hazard Evaluation Factor
(LHEF).
OPERATIONAL AREA
Kodaikanal 10°13’03” N 77°29’35” E 58 F/8
Programme: Landslide Hazard Studies - Monitoring
Division/ Project Name: LANDSLIDE Item No.076
F S P Number
Field Season
2008–09 LHS SR TNPK 2008 059
EG DIVISION TNKP
State Code (s) District Code Degree Sheet Toposheet (s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt / Basin,
(s) (s) etc.
TN NILG 58 A 58 A/15
Personel
C. Thanavelu (PT)
MONITORING OF HOSPITAL LANDSLIDE COMPLEX, COONOOR,
Title
NILGIRI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU
1 2 3 4 5
Commodities
INSTRUMENTATION, PORE PRESSURE, GROUND MOVEMENT,

Keywords
THRESHOLD VALUES
1. Surface and subsurface monitoring of landslide by installing survey pillars and
instruments.
Objective
2. To find out threshold rainfall / pore pressure
3. To suggest control / mitigation measures

Nature of work Total work load a) Expected year Work Work
envisaged of completion already proposed
b) Submission of completed for 2008-
interim report upto June 09
final report
Drilling of 4 borehole 100 m a) 2009-10 New 100 m
b) Annual
a) Installation of in- 4 Sets c) 2011 March 4 Sets
place Inclinometer (Each set comprising (Each 3
Assembly 3 probes) probes)
b) Installation of 4 Nos. 4 Nos.
Vibrating wire /
strand pipe
piezometer and
accessories
c) Installation of 1 No. 1 No.
automatic rain gage
and accessories
d) Installation of survey As Necessary As
pillars Necessary
e) Data Acquisition At regular intervals
analysis and interpretation for two field seasons Monitoring
Hospital landslide complex marked by conspicuous arcuate geometry is located on the

southern slope of the E-W trending hill range in the southern part of Coonoor town, Nilgiri
District, Tamil Nadu. Occurrences of devastating slides have been recorded in this area from
1881. Recurrences with road and rail line blockade have been recorded during 1905, 1926, 1979,
1987 and 1993. The latest disturbance noticed was in 2001 in the form of creep resulting in
development of crack and partial damage to the retaining wall constructed on the upslope side
near Katteri Road Junction.
The main slide is a palaeo debris slide. A planar rockslide is also present near
Gandhipuram. Twelve recent retrograding soil / debris slides and four major prograding debris
slide are present, extending from bottom of the palaeo crown scarp to the foot region. The four
prograding slides are named as Gandhipuram debris slide, Sagayamatha Hospital slide, Katteri
Road Railway Station Slide and Katteri slide. About 300 dwelling units housing about 2,200
people, an arterial road - NH 67, mountain railway track (Heritage) and some domestic animals
are at risk.
Considering the High hazard status and elements at risk, the landslide has been selected
as one of the three sites for study under the project “Monitoring / mitigation of landslides under
selected sites at India” with the Canadian collaboration. As required by the implementation
arrangement of the project detailed studies have been completed including mapping on 1:2000,
preparation of geological sections and electrical resistivity sounding during the field season 2006-
2007. Drilling, Standard Penetration Test and collection of undisturbed soil samples were carried
out as spill over during FS 2007-08. In continuation of this, technology transfer and training in
monitoring techniques, data acquisition and interpretation have been imparted. It further
envisages the purchase of monitoring equipments, installation at selected sites, data acquisition,
processing and interpretation. Since Hospital slide is one of the selected site for monitoring, this
item is proposed.
Small scale slope movements can serve as indicator of impending major failure. Slight
slope movements and tensile crack formation usually precede slope failure. Climatic triggering –
heavy rain and the resultant changes in the water content (mainly ground water) leading to pore
water pressure increase is the common cause for the slope failures in the Nilgiris. The slides are
in general soil / debris slides. Continuous measurement of rainfall, hydrologic conditions (mainly
pore pressure) and ground movement may be useful in arriving at threshold rainfall, critical pore
water pressure. The data available at present for the area are insufficient for arriving at the above
parameters. Hence subsurface monitoring by installing inclinometer systems and vibrating wire
piezometer with data loggers and an automatic rain gage is proposed. Surface monitoring by
installing survey pillars is proposed to know and measure the lateral as well as vertical ground
movement.
This item is subject to the availability / procurement and installation of instruments.
Data acquisition system with measurement and control module, multiplexer, sensor
excitation module, surge protection card, cable, UPS, operating software, lap top, precision total
station and other accessories are also to be procured in addition to the instruments.
Mission: Geological Hazards
Programme: Seismology, Seismotectonics and Seismic Microzonations
Division / Project Name: EARTHQUAKE GEOLOGY DIVISION Item No. 004
F S P Number
Field Season Type Region Code Op. Unit Year of initiation S l. No.
Code
2008-2009 SEI SR SR 2007 004
G.T.Lab, SR Engineering Geology, TN OP: TNPK
Geophysics
Drilling SR Geodata, PGRS SR
State Code (s) District Toposheet(s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt / Basin, etc.
Code (s)
Tamil Nadu Chennai 66 C/4 & 8
P e r s o n n e l
R. Balaji P. A. Gaffar L.P.Singh (PT), PGRS R. Srinivasan (PT) OP: TNPK
V. Rama Murthy (PT)(GP) S. Srinivas (PT)(GP) P.K. Sinha (PT) GEODATA
Title SEISMIC HAZARD MICROZONATION OF CHENNAI
METROPOLIS
(if any) (coded)
Key words SEISMIC HAZARDS, MICROZONATION, EARTHQUAKE
(Maximum 10) SOURCE, GIS ANALYSIS.
To assess and delineate microzones of varying seismic site response/seismic
Objective hazard potential in Chennai Metropolis in the event of a moderate earthquake
(~ 6 magnitude) occurring in the proximal source area.
For details please see Item No. 004.
KERALA
INTRODUCTION
The Kerala State, bounded by North Latitudes 8º17' and 12º47' and East Longitudes 74º52'
and 77º25', forms a linear stretch of land along the southwest coast of India. It is broadly divisible
into four physiographic units: (i) low-lying coastal plains fringing the Lakshadweep Sea in the
west, (ii) laterite-capped midland region between 30 and 200 m elevation, (iii) foothills of the
Western Ghat between 200 and 600 m above MSL and (iv) the main hill ranges of the Western
Ghats rising to altitudes of 2500 m and more above MSL. It covers an area of 38,864 sq km of
which, 35,955 sq km is under crystalline rocks like charnockite, gneisses, granites, meta-
sedimentaries and metamafics/ultramafics of Precambrian age and younger acid and basic
intrusives and the remaining 2,909 sq km, sedimentary rocks like clays, sand, and sandstone
belonging to the Tertiary Warkalli Formation and Quaternary deposits. China clay, heavy-
mineral-rich (ilmenite, rutile, monazite, zircon, garnet, sillimanite etc.) beach sands, bauxite,
glass-sand, iron-ore, limestone, gold, graphite and gemstones are the major economic minerals
found in the state. The discovery of gold in the Attapadi valley is a recent finding of this Unit.
Systematic geological mapping on 1:63,360/1:50,000 scale of the hard rock areas was
completed during the Field Seasons 1982-83 and the Quaternary geological and
geomorphological mapping of the coastal tracts, in 1988-89. These have yielded a wealth of basic
data based on which areas of geological and economic significance were taken up for follow-up
work. The present activities include geochemical mapping, specialized thematic mapping,
mineral investigations, identification of palaeochannels as an alternate resource of sand deposits,
landslide hazard zonation, compilation of mineral belt maps and creation of thematic database for
all the geological activities of GSI in the State. The Annual programme is formulated and
implemented as per departmental directives and decisions taken at the CGPB and SGPB
meetings.
The highlights of the activities for the FS: 2007-08 and the work proposed to be taken up
for the FS: 2008-09 are enumerated below.
GEOINFORMATICS
Creation of theme-based database of geological maps and reports in Oracle format was
initiated during the FS: 2001-02 with the objective to make these immense and invaluable data
amenable to various GIS analysis. So far, creation of database has been completed for eight
degree sheets (58A, B, C, D, F, G, H and 48L) out of total eleven. The database is initially created
in prescribed hard copy formats and later conversion into soft copy Oracle format is done at Op:
TNP & K Chennai. Soft copy conversion for the theme map 50,000 has been completed for five
degree sheets 58 B, C, D, F and G. During FS: 2007-08, thematic database in hard copy will be
created for degree sheets 58 H and L for themes map 50,000 and drilling and for 58A, for themes
drilling and geochemical exploration. For FS: 2008-09, hard copy database is proposed to be
created for degree sheets 48P, 49M and 49N comprising 21 toposheets and 78 reports, for themes
map 50,000, drilling and natural hazards.
PALAEOCHANNEL
The demand for construction grade sand in Kerala far exceeds availability and hence
the limited sand resources available in major rivers of the State are widely over exploited
resulting in severe degradation of the river environment systems. The only remedy to overcome
this vulnerable situation is to find safely exploitable alternate sand deposits away from present
rivers and their judicious exploitation. Palaeochannels are good sources of hidden sand deposits.
During FS: 2003-04, GSI had carried out a Govt. of Kerala sponsored investigation to identify
alternate sand deposits in the Pampa, Periyar and Bharathapuzha rivers. A large number of hidden
sand deposits were identified with the aid of terrain analysis, aerial photo interpretation and
digital image processing followed by limited field checks. The encouraging outputs of this work
prompted the Govt. of Kerala to request GSI to identify alternate sand deposits in other major
rivers of the State. The two-year item mounted for the FS: 2007-09 proposes to cover five major
river basins in the southern districts namely, Karamana, Vamanapuram and Neyyar of
Thiruvananthapuram district and Kallada and Ithikara of Kollam district. An area of about 2600
sq km will be subjected to terrain analysis, aerial photo interpretation and digital image
processing to demarcate the major repositories of sand. During FS: 2007-08, an area of 1300 sq
km encompassing the river basins of Karamana, Vamanapuram and Neyyar rivers has been
studied and favourable sand-bearing geomorphic units such as flood plain deposits, buried
channels, channel fills, palaeo-terraces, palaeo-levees and palaeo-channel bars and point bars,
delineated. During FS: 2008-09, the river basins of Ithikara and Kallada covering an area of 1300
sq km will be taken up for palaeochannel studies.
Two items were taken up under STM, one in the Palakkad-Malappuram district and the
other in the Wayanad district. The two year STM item to trace the westward extension of the
Bhavani Shear Zone in Palakkad and Malappuram districts has been concluded during the FS:
2007-08 and the STM on the Wayand supracrustals continues during FS: 2008-09.
1. Structural and stratigraphic studies in the western extension of the Bhavani Shear Zone
Gold occurrences in the Attapadi valley are closely associated with the ENE-WSW
trending Bhavani Shear Zone. This shear zone has been systematically traced eastward into Tamil
Nadu. However, towards west, it is shown abruptly ending or dying out near Anamooli about 10
km west of Agali in the Attapadi valley. As the shear zone is likely to continue further west and
those areas have potential for primary gold lode zones, a two-year programme was proposed to
trace the westward extension of the Bhavani Shear Zon beyond Anamooli and to find its
relationship with the major shear zones passing through Malappuram and Nilambur. Special
attention was given to locate potential gold lode zones in the gap area between the Attapadi and
Nilambur gold provinces. An area of 300 sq km spread over six toposheets 58A/4, A/8, A/12 and
58B/1, B/5, B/9 was covered by STM during FS: 2006-08. The rock types delineated belong to
the Wayanad Group, Peninsular Gneissic Complex, Charnockite Group and acid and basic
intrusives. Two phases of granitoid emplacements were also identified. Three generations of
folding are present. Evidences for the westward extension of the Bhavani Shear Zone have been
confirmed by the identification of mylonite zones and pseudotachylite veins in the country rock
and granites. The extended shear zone has been traced over a length of 40 km westward from
Anamooli and has width varying from 3-10 km. Mylonite zones indicate ductile shearing and the
pseudotachylite veins, subsequent brittle shearing. Stretching lineations in mylonite are parallel to
F2 fold axis. The asymmetric augen structures in the mylonitised granite suggest a dextral sense
of shearing. Structural and stratigraphic studies indicate that the geologic setup west of Anamooli
is similar to that of the Attapadi valley. However, the regional foliation and fold axes show a
change in trend when compared to that in the Attapadi valley. Quartz veins with limonitic stains
and pyrrhotite-chalcopyrite mineralization are found in biotite and hornblende gneisses and out of
15 quartz veins analysed for gold, 12 returned Au values varying from 0.06 to 0.10 ppm. This is
significant since no incidence of gold was ever reported from this area prior to these studies.
Further, it also confirms the close association of gold mineralization with the extended Bhavani
Shear Zone.
The STM has achieved all its objectives and it has considerably improved the existing
geological map of the area by the addition of new litho units, mylonite zones and structural data.
2. Thematic studies of the Wayanad Supracrustals and associated rocks in Sulthan Bathery
area.
This is a two-year item of STM to study the structure, stratigraphy, petrography, tectono-
magmatic emplacement history of the supracrustals and associated rocks in an area of 300 sq km
lying SE of the Mananthavadi-Talapuzha sector, mapped during FS: 2004-06 in the Wayanad
district. The ENW-WSE trending Bavali Lineament, which is considered a major crustal-scale
tectonic-zone of the Precambrian metamorphic terrain, extending for about 150 km from
Payyannur in the NW to Sulthan Bathery in the SE, passes through this area and is believed to
join the E-W trending Moyar Shear Zone in Tamil Nadu. The present studies can establish the
genetic relationship between the Bavali and Moyar shear zones. This area also holds good
potential for gold and PGE mineralization.
During first year (FS: 2007-08), an area of 150 sq km lying NW of Sulthan Bathery has
been mapped. The major rock types delineated belong to the Wayanad Group, Peninsular
Gneissic Complex, Charnockite Group and younger intrusive grey granite. General strike of
foliation is NW-SE to WNW-ESE with steep dips towards NE or SW. Structural data reveals
three phases of folding (F1, F2 & F3) of which F1 and F2 are co-axial with the axial trace trending
in a ENE-WSW directrion. F3 is seen as broad open warps. The extension of the Bavali Shear
Zone, which is post-F2, has been traced as two WNW-ESE trending 0.5 to 1 km wide sub-parallel
mylonite zones, for a length of 7-9 km.
Out of twenty samples of sulphide-bearing quartz veins analysed for gold, thirteen have
given Au values ranging from 0.06 to 0.11 ppm. The present STM has brought out 8
metapyroxenite and 32 talc-tremolite-actinolite schist bands/enclaves, varying in width from 20-
50 m and length, 0.5-1 km, within the PGC, which are some of the largest ultramafic bands found
in Kerala. These ultramafic bands have been sampled for PGE studies. Improvements made in the
existing geological map include-delineation of two bands of granite gneiss within the PGC in the
northern part, tracing the extension of the Bavali Shear Zone as two mylonitic zones in the NE
part and identification of several new bands of ultramafic rocks belonging to the Wayanad Group.
During FS: 2008-09, an area of 150 sq km around Sulthan Bathery is proposed to be

covered by STM.
NATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING
National Geochemical Mapping initiated in the State during FS: 2003-04 has so far been
completed in six toposheets- 58A/4, 58B/1, B/2, B/5, B/6 B/10, till FS: 2007-08. The NGCM
report for toposheet 58A/4 has been circulated. In toposheet 58A/4, elements such as Au, Th, La,
Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd, and Eu have shown anomalous distribution pattern, which needs further studies.
Processing of analytical data is in progress for other sheets. During FS; 2007-08, geochemical
mapping was completed in the southern half of toposheet 58B/7 and the western half of 58B/2,
together covering an area of 737 sq km. The area covered in 58B/2 is predominantly made up of
Quaternary sedimentary deposits and that in B/7, charnockite and laterite.
Samples are collected from 1st and 2nd order streams and slope wash as per availability
and suitability from pre-determined spots on a 1 km x 1 km grid. About 5 kg dry or sun-dried
sample is collected and sieved through 80 nylon sieve and then through 120 nylon sieve to get
about one kg of sample. From this, 500 gm of sample of -120 mesh fraction is separated by
coning and quartering and further divided into two parts of 250 gm each. While one of these
samples is kept as grid reference sample, the other one is mixed with three adjacent 1 x 1 km grid
samples to make a composite sample representing a 2 km x 2 km grid. The composite samples are
analysed by ICPMS/XRF/AAS for 56 elements. Other media like stream water (W), regolith (R),
soil (C) and humus (H) for a 5'x 5' grid and samples from flood plain (F) for a river basin of 500-
1000 sq km area, are also be similarly analysed.
During FS: 2008-09, the northern half of toposheets 58B/7 will be taken up for
geochemical mapping to complete that sheet.
GOLD
This item on preliminary investigation for gold in the Narasimukku block of

Attapadi valley was originally proposed for two field seasons beginning FS: 2007-08, but
could not be taken up during last field season due to shortage of personnel. The item will now
be taken up and completed during the ensuing FS: 2008-09. In the Attapadi valley, association
of gold with BIF has already been established. In the Narasimukku block, a 4 km long band of
BIF on analysis has yielded gold values ranging from 0.02 to 2.33 ppm. Panning of soil
samples in this area has also yielded gold. The BIF along with the associated mafic/ultramafic
rocks and quartz veins has been proved to be auriferous. The present work envisages detailed
mapping of an area of 1 sq km encompassing the BIF and associated mafic/ultramafic rocks
on 1:2000 scale, pitting/trenching and soil/rock sampling to evaluate its auriferous nature.
LANDSLIDE HAZRD ZONATION
As the Nodal Agency for landslide studies in India, the Geological Survey of
India is entrusted with the task of landslide hazard zonation (LHZ) of strategically important and
thickly-populated vulnerable areas. In Kerala, the hilly regions of Idukki, Kottayam,
Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Wayanad districts fall in this category and hence need
immediate attention. To begin with, LHZ was initiated in the landslide prone Kurisumala area of
Kottayam district, during FS: 2006-07. The hazard zonation map is prepared with the aid of
database on geology, geomorphology, land use/land cover, structure, geotechnical properties, soil
characteristics, rainfall and landslide incidences and using high resolution CARTOSAT imagery,
aerial photos and 1:10,000 scale topographic base maps. Field checks are carried out to confirm
interpretations and to sample the soils for determining geotechnical parameters.
During FS: 2007-08, LHZ was taken up around Munnar town in Idukki district and the
work is in progress. Various thematic maps have been prepared for an area of 20 sq km. Field
work is in progress to fix GCP and general ground check and soil sampling. For FS: 2008-09
LHZ is proposed to be taken up in the highly landslide prone Amboori area of
Thiruvananthapuram district. Under the item on preparation of inventory of landslides, 101
incidents of landslides have been listed in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Idukki
and Kottayam districts, during FS: 2007-08. The inventory includes brief description of the slide,
extent of damages, tentative causative factors and remedial measures. An index map showing the
locations of all the landslide incidents will also be prepared. For FS: 2008-09, inventory of
landslides will be prepared for the remaining incidents in Idukki and Ernakulam districts.
CO-ORDINATION TECHNICAL DIVISION
Personnel
M. Koshy John
1. Planning, formulation and implementation of Annual Programme.

2. Preparation of periodical reports and materials for Stage and Mid-Term Reviews.
3. Matters pertaining to Operational and Regional Advisory Council meetings, various
CGPB Sub-committee meetings, State Geological Programming Board meetings,
Parliament questionnaire etc.
4. Co-ordination and Monitoring of scientific/technical activities of all Projects and
Divisions, training programmes and seminars/symposia.
5. Technical Manpower Management and Technical Consultancy Work.
PROJECT: GEOINFORMATICS
Programme: Development and dissemination of geoscientific database

Division / Project Name: GEOINFORMATICS Item No. 077
F S P Number
Field Season
Type Code Region Code Op.Unit Year of initiation Sl.No
2008-2009 DB SR KRL 2008 060
Division I Reg./Op.Unit Division 2 Reg./ Op. Unit
TNPK
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s) Mineral / tectonic
Belt / Basin, etc.
KRL KASA, KANN, 48P, 49M, 49N 48P/1, P/2, P/3, P/4, P/6, Kozhikode Iron-
WAYA, KOZH, P/7, P/8, P/11, P/12, P/16; ore belt. Kannur
MALA, THRI 49 M/5, M/6, M/9, M/10, and Kasaragod
M/11, M/13, M/14, M/15, bauxite and clay
M/16, 49 N/13, N/14 belts.
P e r s o n n e l
M.N. Praveen V.V. Sugatha
Title CREATION OF THEME-BASED DATABASE FOR 48P, 49M AND 49N
(if any)(Coded)
Keywords
THEMATIC DATABASE, IRON-ORE, CLAY, BAUXITE
(Maximum 10)
Creation of theme-based relational database to be integrated with the existing
Objective
geoscientific database.
Nature of work Total workload Expected year of Work Work proposed
envisaged completion already for 2008-2009
completed
upto June
2008
1. Analysis of reports 2008-2009 New Item
and extraction of data on
to formats*
a. Map 50,000 (which
includes QG) 36 reports 36 reports
b. Drilling 41 reports 41 reports
c. Natural Hazards
(which includes Flood,
Seismic 1 report 1 report
and Landslide Hazards)
2. Thematic data input of
themes (out of Map a) 36 reports a) 36 reports
50,000, Mining, b) 41 reports b) 41 reports
Geochemical Exploration, c) 1 report c) 1 report
PGRS, Geophysics.
Environmental Geology,
Rock Sample Analysis,
Natural Hazards themes)
into Oracle database
21 toposheets 21 toposheets
3. Preparation of Lexicons
4. Layer wise Graphic data
input for compiled, edge
matched sheets using
ARCGIS maintaining the
geodatabase structure
a. Map 50,000 (out of
maximum 29 layers) 9 layers 9 layers
b. Drilling 3 layers 3 layers
c. Natural Hazards (out
of maximum 11 layers) 2 layers 2 layers
* No reports available for other themes
Theme-based database will be created for the last set of twenty one toposheets pertaining
to degree sheets 48P, 49M and 49N. The above sheets cover parts of Kasaragod, Kannur,
Kozhikode, Wayanad, Malappuram, Palakkad and Thrissur districts of north Kerala. The
Kozhikode iron-ore and Kannur and Kasaragod clay and bauxite deposits fall in these sheets.
There are 21 toposheets and 78 reports to be processed. Under mapping theme there are 36
reports and 41 reports pertain to mineral investigations, including drilling. One report falls under
the theme natural hazard. In the absence of Oracle software, hard copies of the extracted data for
the relevant three themes will be put on Oracle format data entry sheets. Soft copy conversion of
the hard copy data will be carried out at OP: TNP & K, Chennai.
PROJECT: PALAEOCHANNEL
Mission: Mineral and Energy Resources
Exploration
Programme: Palaeochannel studies
Division / Project Name: PALAEOCHANNEL Item No. 078
F S P Number
Field Season
2008-2009 PRS SR KRL 2007 068
SR/TNPK
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet Topsheet (s) Mineral / tectonic Belt
(s) / Basin, etc
KRL THIR, KOLL 58C, 58D, 58C/12, C/16, D/9,
58H & 58G D/10, D/13, D/14,
D/15, 58G/4, 58H/1,
H/2, H/3
P e r s o n n e l
P.S. Anil Kumar (PT) V. Ambili
IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATE SAND RESOURCES IN
VAMANAPURAM, NEYYAR, KARAMANA, KALLADA AND ITHIKARA
Title RIVERS OF THIRUVANANTHAPURAM AND KOLLAM DISTRICTS,
KERALA
(if any) (Coded)
Keywords PALAEOCHANNEL, VAMANAPURAM, NEYYAR, KARAMANA,

(Maximum 10) KALLADA AND ITTIKARA RIVERS, SAND RESOURCE
Delineation of sand deposits associated with palaeochannels, channel-fills, sand
Objective bars, flood plains, river terraces, etc. based on interpretations of aerial photos,
satellite imagery, terrain analysis and limited field check.

Nature of work Total a) Expected year of Work already Work proposed
workload completion Completed for 2008-09
Envisaged b) Submission of upto June
interim report 2008
c) Circulation of
final Report
a) Interpretation of 2600 sq km a) 2008-09 1300 sq km 1300 sq km
aerial b) Annual
photographs, c) 2010 March
geocoded imagery
(IRS 1D) and
terrain analysis
b) Field checks As necessary As necessary
River sand is a very valuable raw material in various construction-related activities.
Kerala is drained by 44 major rivers. Unlike rivers in other parts of India, the sand resources of
Kerala rivers are very limited. Moreover, widespread urbanization and related anthropogenic
activities in the State have led to ever increasing demand for river sand, which far exceeds the
availability. Despite a legal ban on sand mining in major river beds, large-scale illegal sand
mining is rampant in most of the major and medium-sized rivers especially, Vamanapuram,
Karamana, Neyyar, Kallada, Ithikara, Meenachil, Pamba, Periyar, Chaliyar, Bharathapuzha and
Valapattanam in the State. Indiscriminate sand mining has adversely affected the fluvial regime
of all the major rivers, resulting in serious degradation of the river environment, namely caving-in
of river banks, lowering of ground water table, river silting, flooding and formation of stagnant
water bodies and continuous depletion of forest lands. To avert further damage to the already
fragile environment of the river basins, there is an urgent need to identify safely exploitable
alternate natural sand resources. Various geological studies carried out in this regard so far have
indicated that the buried river channels (palaeochannels) and old flood plains are the most
suitable locations to look for alternate sand resources.
Many major rivers, consequent to neo-tectonic and anthropogenic activities, re-adjusted

themselves to morphometric variations in the recent geological past (Neogene to Holocene
Periods). The river courses have frequently shifted in a cyclic pattern or in an oscillatory fashion
in the mid-land and coastal tracts, leaving behind a series of palaeo-geomorphic units like
palaeochannels, cut-off meander levees, flood plains, terraces, sand bars and point bars. These
landforms being rich in sand are ideal locations for targeting alternate sand deposits. However,
they need to be exploited through comprehensive planning, safeguarding the river eco-system.
The GSI Kerala Unit took up a sponsored item on an experimental basis to find out
alternate sand resources associated with palaeo and buried channels of the rivers Pampa, Periyar
and Bharathapuzha during FS: 2003-04, in pursuance of an MoU signed with the DMG, Govt. of
Kerala. A detailed report to this effect on the identification of possible and probable locales of
alternate riverine sand resources was duly submitted to the Govt. of Kerala. The successful
outcome of this work prompted the Govt. of Kerala to request GSI through the SGPB and CGPB
to conduct similar studies in the other major rivers of the State. To begin with, GSI has mounted a
two-year programme to identify the sand-bearing geomorphic units in five major river basins in
the southern districts namely, Karamana, Vamanapuram and Neyyar of Thiruvananthapuram
district and Kallada and Ithikara of Kollam district during field seasons: 2007-08 and 2008-09. In
the 42nd SGPB meeting (May 2008) in reply to the query raised by GSI on the status of follow-up
action, the Department of Mining and Geology, Government of Kerala has informed that they
have already initiated the work to assess the reserve potential of the sand deposits identified by
GSI (2005) in the river basins of Pamba, Periyar and Bharatha puzha and the progress thereon
would be periodically communicated.
During FS 2007-08, till the end of June 2008, an area of 1300 sq km falling in toposheets
58H/2, H/3, D/14 and D/15 and covering parts of the river basins of Karamana, Neyyar and
Vamanapuram were subjected to multi-dimensional analysis with the help of aerial photos, digital
satellite imagery (IRS ID) and terrain analysis of toposheets. The studies have brought out
favourable sand-bearing geomorphic units such as flood plain deposits, buried channels, channel
fills, palaeoterraces, palaeolevees and palaochannel bars and point bars under a surficial clay
cover in areas covered by the above toposheets. The predominant repositories of alternate sand
resources delineated are the widely distributed channel-fills and flood plains varying in widths
from 200-300m and length up to a km. Major network of channel-fills is observed in the Neyyar
River (58H/2 and H/3) and the Vamanapuram River (58D/14). GSI’s work objective is limited to
delineation of sand resources based on interpretation of aerial photographs, satellite imagery and
terrain analysis followed by limited field checks. The other parameters such as the quality,
quantity and depth persistence of the sand deposits, the DMG has to assess such factors by
adopting shallow-level drilling.
For FS: 2008-09, studies will be taken up in the northern stretches of the Vamanapuram
River and Kallada and Ittikara rivers and their tributaries to locate alternate resources of sand in
parts of toposheets 58C/12, C/16, D/9, D/10, D/13, D/14, 58G/4 and 58H/1,
Division / Project Name: STM Item No. 079
F S P Number
Field Season
2008-2009 STM SR KRL 2007 069
Division I Reg./Op.Unit Division 2 Reg./ Op. Unit Reg./ Op.
Unit
SR/TNPK Chemical KRL PPOD,
AMSE
State Code District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Topsheet (s) Mineral / Tectonic
(s) Belt / Basin, etc
KRL WAYA 58A 58A/1, A/2, A/5 & A/6 Bavali Shear Zone
P e r s o n n e l
K.R. Pillay
THEMATIC STUDIES OF THE WAYANAD SUPRACRUSTALS AND
ASSOCIATED ROCKS NEAR THE WESTERN TERMINATION OF THE
Title
MOYAR SHEAR ZONE IN SULTHAN BATHERY AREA, WAYANAD
DISTRICT, KERALA
(if any) (Coded)
Keywords THEMATIC MAPPING, STRUCTURE, PETROGRAPHY,
(Maximum 10) SUPRACRUSTALS, MOYAR SHEAR ZONE, BAVALI SHEAR ZONE,
GOLD MINERALISATION
1) To study the structure, stratigraphy and petrography of the supracrustals and
associated rocks.
Objective
2) To study the tectono-magmatic emplacement history of the area
3) To identify favourable areas for gold mineralisation

Nature of work Total a) Expected year of Work already Work
workload completion Completed upto proposed for
Envisaged b) Submission of June 2008 2008-09
interim report
c) Circulation of
final Report
1. STM (1: 25,000) 300 a) 2008-2009 150 150
(sq.km) b) Annual
2. SMPL (Nos.) c) 2010 March
1
a) GCS 100 50 50
b)Channel-cut2 30 15 15
(ultramafic/mafic rocks)
c) PCS3 25 15 10
d) PS 50 25 25
e) FIS4 20 10 10
f) EPMA5 25 15 10
1
To be analysed for Au at Chemical Lab, Kerala Unit, Thiruvananthapuram.
2
To be analysed for PGE, Au, Ag, As, Cr, Ni & Co at Regional Chemical Lab. GSI SR,
Hyderabad
3
Whole rock and trace element analyses, at Chemical Lab, Kerala Unit, Thiruvananthapuram
4
PPOD, AMSE, Bangalore
5
GSI SR, Hyderabad
Bavali Lineament is a major crustal-scale tectonic-zone of the Precambrian metamorphic

terrain passing through Kannur and Wayanad districts of North Kerala. It extends for about 150
km from Payyannur in the NW to Sulthan Bathery in the SE within the State and is considered as
the western continuation of the E-W trending Moyar Shear Zone (MSZ) of Tamil Nadu. The area
was mapped on 1: 63,360 scale in the early seventies (M.M. Nair et.al. 1975; M.M. Nair et.al.
1976). An L-shaped tract of 600 sq km covering Kuthuparamba–Iritty-Peravur sector of the
Bavali Lineament Zone, falling in parts of toposheets 48 P/12, 49 M/9 and M/13, was mapped
under Project STM during FS 2002-2004 and its eastern continuation in the Mananthavadi-
Talapuzha sector, falling in toposheets 49 M/13, M/14, A/1 and A/2 covering an area of 300 sq
km, during FS 2004-06, to understand the stratigraphy and structure of the area and to study the
evolution of the BTZ (K.R. Pillay). The Wayanad Group of rocks, which are equivalent to the
Middle Archaean Sargur Group of Karnataka, comprises quartz-mica schist ± kyanite, garnet–
kyanite–sillimanite gneiss, metaultramafites, amphibolites, banded magnetite quartzite and
fuchsite quartzite, are exposed mainly towards north of the BTZ. These occur as enclaves within
hornblende gneiss, hornblende-biotite gneiss, augen gneiss and granite gneiss, grouped under the
Peninsular Gneissic Complex. This is overlain by the conglomerate–micaceous quartzite–quartz-
mica schist sequence of the Vengad Formation, which has been tentatively correlated with
Dharwar metasediments. Charnockite and pyroxene granulite occur as small patches in the BTZ
within the gneisses and as massive exposures to the N and S of the zone. Structural data reveals
three phases of deformation (D1, D2 & D3) in the area. The mineral assemblage in the high-grade
supracrustals and granulites north of the BLSZ indicated a deeper crustal level origin vis-à-vis the
area south of the zone. Shear sense indicators point to a dextral sense of shear and moderate to
steeply plunging stretching lineations suggested an oblique slip resulting in differential upliftment
of the northern block. However, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that BLSZ as terrain
boundary separating these two blocks.
Systematic thematic studies of an area of 300 sq km stretching in a WNW-ESE direction

and occupying the gap area between the mapped eastern end of the Bavali Shear Zone and the
Kerala border with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are proposed to be covered during field seasons:
2007-08 & 2008-09. The area lies in the northern part of the Wayanad-Nilambur Gold Belt. The
work aims to study the stratigraphy, structure, nature and evolution of the BLSZ in relation to the
Moyar Shear Zone of Tamil Nadu and also to look for gold mineralisation. The structural
mapping can throw light on structural controls of gold mineralization and petrological studies, the
genetic aspects. Textural and ore microscopic studies also form an integral component. The
microprobe analyses of appropriate mineral assemblages would help in understanding the P-T
conditions at various stages. Fluid inclusion study is envisaged to document the nature of fluids
present during shearing/metamorphism and its influence on mineralization. During FS: 2007-08,
an area of 150 sq km bounded by lat. 11038’45” and 11048’20” and long. 76005’45” and
76014’40” was proposed to be covered in parts of toposheets 58A/1 and A/2 and an area of 150 sq
km has been completed till the end of June 2008. The major rock types mapped belong to the
Wayanad Group (metapyroxenite, talc-tremolite-actinolite schist, tremolite schist, banded
magnetite quartzite, fuchsite quartzite, micaceous quartzite and quartz-mica schist), which forms
enclaves within the Peninsular Gneiss, Peninsular Gneissic Complex (hornblende-biotite gneiss,
metagabbro and granite gneiss), Charnockite Group (massive and gneissic types) and younger
intrusive grey and pink granites. Hornblende-biotite gneiss is the dominant rock type followed by
charnockite. The general strike of foliation is NW-SE to WNW-ESE with steep dips towards NE
or SW. Three phases of folding (F1, F2 and F3) have been established of which F1 and F2 are co-
axial with axial trace trending ENE-WSW. F3 is seen as broad open warps on the limbs of F1 and
F2 folds. The extension of the Bavali Shear Zone, which is post-F2, has been traced as two WNW-
ESE trending sub-parallel mylonite zones, for a length of 7-9 km and width of 0.5 to 1 km.
Thirteen quartz veins, with sulphide mineralization along fracture planes and varying in
width from 2 to 4 m and length 250 m to over a km, were delineated and sampled. Out of twenty
samples analysed for gold, thirteen have given Au values ranging from 0.06 to 0.11 ppm. The
area holds some of the largest ultramafic bands present in Kerala. The present STM has brought
out 8 metapyroxenite and 32 talc-tremolite schist bands/enclaves, varying in width from 20-50 m
and length, 0.5-1 km, within the PGC. Spinifex texture is seen in many of these bands pointing to
its komatiitic origin. Ultramafic rocks of komatiitic chemistry are the most favourable source
rocks for PGE. Gold and PGE (Pt:12-128, Pd:<10-98 and Ir:<10-18, all in ppb) mineralization
have already been established in a similar geological set-up in the Kottathara, Vannathura and
Kalkandi blocks of Attapadi valley. Therefore, the ultramafic rocks delineated in the study area
need to be sampled for PGE studies. Collection of 30 channel-cut samples is envisaged during
present work.
Major improvements achieved by this STM so far include- (1) Delineation of two bands
of granite gneiss within the PGC in the northern part, (2) Tracing the extension of the Bavali
Shear Zone as two mylonitic zones in the NE part and (3) Identification of several bands of
ultramafic rocks belonging to the Wayanad Group.
During FS: 2008-09, an area 150 sq km, bounded by lat. 11º36’20” and 11º46’00” and
long. 76011’15” and 76019’40” and falling in parts of toposheets 58A/1, A/2, A/5 and A/6, will be
taken up for STM.
PROJECT: NATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING

Division / Project Name : NATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING Item No. 080
F S P Number
Field Season
2008-2009 GCM SR KRL 2006 096
Chemical SR
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s) Mineral / tectonic Belt /
Basin, etc.
KRL MALA, PALA, 58B 58 B/2, B/7
THRI, ERNA
P e r s o n n e l
R. Sajeev N.S.Nair, Chemist (PT)
GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE
PRECAMBRIAN PENINSULAR SHIELD IN PARTS OF MALAPPURAM,
Title
PALAKKAD, THRISSUR AND ERNAKULAM DISTRICTS, KERALA
(T.S.No. 58B/2 & B/7)
(if any)(Coded)
Keywords GEOCHEMICAL, MAPPING, TOPOSHEETS 58B/2, B/7 PRECAMBRIAN,
(Maximum 10) PENINSULAR SHIELD, THRISSUR, ERNAKULAM
To generate geochemical baseline data for use in managing/developing natural
Objective resources and for applications in environmental, agricultural, public health and other
societal concerns.

load envisaged of completion completed up proposed for
b) Submission of to June 2008 2008-2009
interim report
c) Circulation of
final report.
1. Geochemical a) 2008-09#
Mapping at scale 1488* b) Annual 1115 378
1:50,000 (sq km) c) 2010March
2. Samples (nos)
i) Stream sediments /
1488* 1115 378
slope wash
ii) Soil C-horizon 18 15 3
iii) Regolith 18 15 3
iv) Water 18 9
v) Humus 18 9
vi) Flood Plain
AN AN
sediment
vii) Duplicate 70 36 34
3. Chemical analysis As per package As per package
# extension
* About 20-24 sq.km of the area proposed in toposheet 58B/2 falls in the Lakshadweep sea and
hence not covered. SSS target would be further reduced when samples are collected on a 2 km ×
2 km grid in inaccessible areas.
Note:
1. Stream sediment samples from 1st or 2nd order streams at a suitable site above the
confluence with the 3rd order stream. In the absence of streams, slope ash material may
be collected. Sampling density; one per 1 sq km area (may vary depending upon the
terrain condition, especially in mountain / desert / coastal areas / marshy land / virgin
forest area, in such cases justification of reduction in target should be mentioned in the
Background information). Mention the number of composite samples in parentheses
under the column ‘Total workload envisaged’.
2. Soil samples to be collected from C-horizon (~ 25 cm depth). Sampling density; one per
5’ x 5’ grid.
3. Regolith to be collected from upper horizon / top soil after removing the top organic layer
(if present). Sampling density; one per 5’ x 5’ grid.
4. Water samples to be collected from flowing steams (filtered and unfiltered), preferably
from the site where the stream sediment sample is collected. Water sampling to be done
during post monsoon period by chemists along with the geologist. Sampling density; one
per 5’ x 5’ grid.
5. Humus samples to be collected after proper diagnosis, wherever possible (maximum
sampling density; one per 5’ x 5’ grid).
6. Flood plain samples to be collected in case of river basins spanning 500 to 1000 sq km
are within the toposheet. The selection of the proper site will require identification of the
river basins on a degree sheet level.
7. Number of duplicate samples may be restricted to 3 to 5 percent of the total samples
collected.
The National Geochemical Mapping was initiated in Kerala during FS: 2003-04 in
toposheet 58A/4 followed by 58B/1 (FS: 2004-05), 58B/5 and B/10 (FS: 2005-06), 56B/6 (FS:
2006-07) and 58B/2 (FS: 2006-08). The first report on 58A/4 has already been circulated and the
other reports are in various stages of progress. For 58A/4, geochemical maps were prepared for
51 elements (out of 54 elements analysed) detected in stream sediment samples. Results indicate
normal distribution pattern for elements like Li, Ni Cs, Sc, Y and U and log-normal distribution
for other elements. Al, Fe, Ga, V and Ge are negatively skewed and other elements, positively
skewed. Elements such as Al, As, Ba, Bi, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ga, Hf, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Th,
Ti, U, V, Zn, Zr and REE show values higher than that for the average upper continental crust.
The groups of elements like Au-As-Cs, Ta-Nb-Ti, U-Th, La-Ce-Pr-Nd, Sm-Gd-Tb, Dy-Ho-Er-
Tm-Yb-Lu-Y, K-Ba-Pb-Sr-Rb-Eu, Na-Mg-Ca, Al-Ga-Ge and Fe-V show strong similarity in
their distribution patterns. The linear patterns of K, Rb, Pb, Ba, Be, Sr, Eu and HREE are due to
the presence of NW trending granitic/pegmatite rocks. The LREE along with Th and U
superposes over banded iron formation. The linear anomaly pattern of Ta, Ti and Nb that passes
diagonally across the area has been associated with the NW-SE trending Cretaceous gabbroic
dyke. Fe2O3, Al2O3, Ga, Cr, V, Sc, and Ni are in general high over the laterite formation. The
chondrite normalized REE plots show LREE enriched pattern with flat HREE. Eu anomaly is
negative. The pattern is comparable with the REE pattern of the charnockite which forms the
major rock type. Analysis of the regolith and C-horizon showed that during weathering, elements
like Al, Fe, Ti, Li, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Ga, Ge, As, Rb, Zr, Nb, Mo, Cs, Hf, Pb, Bi, Th and U
progressively get enriched in the soil horizons with respect to the bedrock while elements like Na,
K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Si and P strongly depleted. The anomalies of Au, Th, La, Ce, Pr, Sm, Gd, and Eu
are significant and warrant further studies.Water sample analyses suggest that the samples are
uncontaminated in nature and are suitable for irrigation, industrial and drinking purposes. They
show higher levels of Ba and Ga, which are high in the country rocks also.
Toposheets 58B/2 and B/7 were proposed for geochemical mapping for the FS: 2006-08.
An area of 378 sq km in 58B/2 was covered during FS: 2006-07. The GCM work in the above
sheets was to be completed by three geologists during FS: 2007-08. Since one geologist was
transferred before the commencement of work and no replacement posting was made, only 737 sq
km of the remaining 1115 sq km target could be completed during FS; 2007-08 (359 sq km in
58B/2 and 378 sq km in 58 B/7). Geochemical mapping of toposheet 58 B/2 has been completed
(737 sq km) and an area of 378 sq km remains to be covered in toposheet 58B/7. Hence, to
complete the GCM of 58B/7, the present item is taken as an extension of the previous item.
The area covered by 58 B/7 is an undulating terrain drained by the Chalakudi, Kurumali
and Manali rivers. The major rock types belong to Peninsular Gneissic Complex, Khondalite
Group, Charnockite Group and Migmatite Complex. Charnockite has the largest areal extent.
Laterite is widespread and occurs as capping over low-lying hills. Fluvial sediments are well
exposed along the riverbanks. No major structural elements are noticed in the area.
Two Reserve Forests namely Paravattan Mala RF and Kodasseri RF cover the
northeastern and eastern parts of the sheet respectively. These areas are highly rugged with
altitudes ranging from 200 to 1596 m above MSL and are inaccessible. In these areas, a larger
grid sampling pattern (2 km x 2 km) may have to be adopted.
During FS: 2007-08, GCM has been completed in an area of 378 sq km in the southern
half of 58B/7 and the northern half of 378 sq km is proposed to be taken up during FS: 2008-09.
The geochemical mapping would generate 378 stream sediment (SS) samples in a 1 km x 1 km
grid and 94 composite samples in a 2 km x 2 km grid for a full toposheet. Samples of stream
water–filtered and non-filtered (W), regolith (R), soil (C) and humus (H) would be collected from
a 5'x 5' grid and a flood plain sample (F), from a basin having an area of 500-1000 sq. km as per
availability. Initially the composite samples would be analysed and subsequently, depending on
the results, the preserved original samples from a 1 km x 1 km grid would be analysed without
revisiting the area.
PROJECT: GOLD

Programme: Precious metals
Division / Project Name: ATTAPADI GOLD Item No. 081
F S P Number
Field Season
2008-2009 MIP SR KRL 2007 070
SR Chemical KRL
State Code (s) District Code (s) Degree Sheet (s) Toposheet (s) Mineral / Tectonic Belt /
Basin, etc.
KRL PALA 58 A 58A/12 ATTAPADI GOLD BELT
P e r s o n n e l
M.R. Asoka Kumar P. Soney Kurien
PRELIMINARY EXPLORATION FOR GOLD IN THE NARASIMUKKU
Title
BLOCK, ATTAPADI VALLEY, PALAKKAD DISTRICT, KERALA (P-II
STAGE)
(if any)(Coded)
Keywords EXPLORATION, SHEAR ZONE, GOLD, TRENCHING, ATTAPADI
(Maximum 10) VALLEY, NARASIMUKKU
To identify gold mineralisation associated with the BIF-ultramafic-mafic assemblage
Objective
of Narasimukku area of Attapadi valley.

Nature of work Total a) Expected year Work already Work proposed for
workload of completion completed up to 2008-09
Envisaged b) Submission of June 2008
interim report
c) Circulation of
final Report
DM (sq.km.) 1.00 a) 2008-2009 Could not be 1.00
(1:2000 scale) b) Annual taken up
PT (cu.m) 400 c) 2010 March 400
SMPL* (Nos.)
PTS 300 300
SS/BRS 700 700
• To be analysed for Au, Ag, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr at Chemical Lab, GSI Kerala Unit,
Thiruvananthapuram.
This item was included in the last FS: 2007-08 but could not be taken up due to shortage
of personnel. Hence the two year item is proposed to be completed in one year with the addition
of one more geologist as suggested by the FSP Finalization Committee.
Systematic geological mapping of the area was carried out by Mani (1965) and was
followed by large-scale geological mapping and exploration for precious metals by Lahiri et al
(1976) and subsequently by Nambiar (1982).
Banded iron formations (BIF) have been reported to have hosted gold in India and
elsewhere. In the Attapadi area, quartz veins emplaced within sheared BIF and amphibolites at
Anakatti have shown primary gold mineralization. Based on this finding, during FS 1990-91, GSI
mounted a programme to assess the gold potential of the banded iron formations and placer gold
occurrences along the Siruvani River. This was followed by detailed exploration by drilling for
gold in selected blocks (R.V.G. Nair & Gopal Rao, 1992; 1994).
Narasimukku block is located 4 km north of Agali and north of the northern auriferous
zone delineated in the valley and was mapped on large-scale (1:12,500 scale) during FS:1990-91
(Nair and Gopal Rao, 1992). This block is bounded by lat: 11005’00” and 11007’45” and long:
76035’00”and 76039’00”. The rock assemblage of BIF- metaultramafics-older amphibolites of
the Attapadi supracrustals (= Sargur supracrustals) forms a NE-SW ridge along the contact
between the hornblende gneiss (Peninsular Gneissic Complex) in the south and migmatitic
amphibolites in the north. Stream sediment panning carried out on the slopes of this ridge had
also indicated good incidences of gold grains. The geological and structural set-up of the
Narasimukku area shows a favourable environment for gold mineralization and hence needs to be
explored. Here, a 2 to 8 m thick linear band of BIF was traced along the southern side of the
Bhavani River for over 4 km in a NE-SW direction. This band occurs in association with mafic-
ultramafic rocks and has vertical or steep dips towards SE. Channel samples from this band on
analysis yielded gold ranging from 0.02 to 2.33 ppm. This band occurs proximal to the northern
auriferous zone delineated by sampling and panning of the stream sediments within the Bhavani-
Siruvani fluvial regime. Close association of BIF with amphibolite and ultramafics suggests its
chemogenic origin, deriving silica and iron from the latter. The gold was leached out from the
host rock (pyroxenite/amphibolite) and precipitated syngenetically with the BIF. Analysis of
samples of metaultramafics (metapyroxenite and talc-tremolite-actinolite schist) and older
amphibolites of the Attapadi valley had given an average background value of 0.25 ppm Au,
which is much higher than the background value of 0.07 ppm reported for rocks of komatiitic
chemistry.
The present work, envisages detailed mapping of an area of 1 sq km on 1:2000 scale,

soil/bed rock sampling on a 25 x 50 m grid pattern for gold and base metal analysis and trenching
to trace and sample the BIF and associated mafic-ultramafic rocks, to identify the gold
mineralisation.
PROJECT: LANDSLIDE HAZARD ZONATION

Mission: Landslide Hazard Zonation
Programme: Landslide Inventory
Division/Project Name: LANDSLIDES AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS Item No. 082

F S P Number
Field Season
Type Code Region Code Opn. Unit Year of initiation Sl.No.
2008-2009 EG SR KRL 2007 071
Participating Operational Unit (s)/Region (s) [code (s)]
Division I Reg. Op.Unit Division 2 Reg. Op.Unit Division 3 Reg. Op.Unit
State Code District Code Degree sheet Mineral/Tectonic belt
KRL THIR, KOLL, PATH, 58 B, C, D, F, G, H
KOTT, IDUK, ERNA
Personnel
C. Muraleedharan (PT) K.S. Sajin Kumar (PT)
Title PREPARATION OF INVENTORY OF LANDSLIDES OF KERALA
(if any)(Code)
Keywords LANDSLIDE INVENTORY
(Maximum 10)
1. To collect data on type of slide, history, mode of failure and extent of damages
Objective 2. Identification of causative factors and suggestion of corrective measures
3. Preparation of an index map showing landslide incidents.

Nature of work Total work a) Expected year of Work already Work
load envisaged completion completed proposed
b) Submission of upto June for
interim report 2008 FS:2008-09
c) Circulation of final
report
1. Aerial 160 incidents* a) 2008-09 101 incidents 59 incidents

photo/image b) Annual
interpretation and c) 2010 March
checking of
incidents given
by the State
Government
2. Field check, 101 incidents 59 incidents
photography of
old incidents and
collection of data
3. Upgrading of old
records
*
Revised after updating the data
Kerala very frequently experiences landslides in its hilly districts. The main causative
factors for these slides are torrential rains and human interference, both affecting the normal
stability of the slopes. So far, no systematic collection of past incidents of landslides has been
attempted. This fundamental information is very essential for the preparation of hazard zonation
maps and planning mitigative measures. Geological Survey of India being the Nodal Agency for
landslide-related studies, an inventory of landslide is a prime requisite for constant monitoring.
The present work envisages collection and integration of data on past landslides from
different Government Agencies (Revenue, Agriculture, Soil survey, Forest, Electricity Board,
CESS, Land-use Board, etc.), assessment of the extent of damage if possible, photographic
documentation of past slides, identification of causative factors to enable GSI to prepare an index
map of landslides for future land-use development and planning. During FS: 2007-08, the
landslide occurrences of Southern Kerala comprising Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam,
Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Idukki and Ernakulam districts have been subjected to detailed
analyses. Till the end of June 2008, an inventory of 101 incidents of landslides have been
completed against a target of 50 for the southern districts after analyzing the available records
with various Government Departments, aerial photo studies and field validation.
During FS: 2008-09, inventory of landslides pertaining to the northern districts will be
taken up. Data on various aspects of these slides like history, nature, causative factors, and extent
of damage will be collected analysed and will be used for suggesting remedial and mitigative
measures. This inventory of landslides will be a very valuable reference material for planning all
future developmental activities in the State.
PROJECT: LANDSLIDE
Mission: Landslide Hazard Zonation

Programme: Landslide Hazard Evaluation
Division/Project Name: LANDSLIDES AND ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS Item No. 083

F S P Number
Field Season
Type Code Region Code Opn.Unit Year of initiation Sl.No.
2008-2009 LHZ SR KRL 2008 061
Participating Operational Unit (s)/Region (s) [code (s)]
Division I Reg. Op.Unit Division 2
KRL OP:TNPK EG Division SR
State Code District Code Degree sheet Toposheet Mineral/Tectonic belt
KRL THIR 58 H 58H/2
Personnel
C. Muraleedharan (PT) K.S. Sajin Kumar (PT)
LANDSLIDE HAZARD ZONATION (LHZ) ON MESOSCALE OF
Title AMBOORI AND ADJACENT AREAS, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
DISTRICT, KERALA
(if any) (Code)
Keywords LANDSLIDE HAZARD, REMOTE SENSING, CARTOSAT IMAGERIES,
(Maximum 10) MESOZONATION, AMBOORI, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
Landslide Mesozonation of high-hazard areas of Amboori and its environ using
Objective inputs from satellite imagery/aerial photographs, LHEF parameters and
laboratory inputs.

Nature of work Total work a) Expected year of Work Work
load Completion already proposed for
envisaged b) Submission of completed FS:2008-09
interim report upto June
final report
1. LHZ (1:10,000) 20 sq km a) 2009-10 New item 10 sq km
Preparation of Thematic b) Annual
Maps c) 2011 March
a) Digital Elevation Model
(DEM)
b) Lithology
c) Structure
d) Relative relief
e) Facet
f) Hydrogeology
g) Land use
h) Land cover
i) Slope erosion 60 samples of 20 samples
j) Intact strength of soil
soil/shear strength*
k) Slope morphometry
l) Average annual rainfall
m) landslide incidence
n) Seismic data
• To be determined at the Geotechnical Lab. EG Division, GSI SR, Hyderabad
The Amboori village lies in the Neyyattinkara Taluk of Thiruvananthapuram district, on

the foot hills of the Western Ghats. It is a moderately rugged Archaean metamorphic terrain made
up of rock types belonging to the Khondalite Group, Charnockite Group and the Migmatite
Complex. Large bouldery outcrops of sheet rocks are found juxtaposed against thick columns of
weathered rock. Amboori and its adjacent areas are prone to frequent landslides during and
immediately after heavy monsoons. On 9/11/2001, a disastrous landslide occurred on the
northeastern slope of Kurisumalai hill at a distance of 500 m from Amboori village, following
four days of uninterrupted heavy rain fall. In this incident, a total 38 precious human lives were
lost in addition to wide spread destruction of houses and property. GSI has done extensive study
of this landslide and a report was submitted to the Government of Kerala (R. Pitchai Muthu & C.
Muraleedharan, 2002). Between 1965 and 2008, this region had witnessed over a dozen
landslides that caused tremendous damage to lives and property. In June 2007, in the Vazhichal
village, rockfall occurred at Kudappanmoodu (Lat: 8O 28’56” and Long: 770 10’56”) and
Vilangumala (Lat: 8O 29’32” and Long: 770 10’21”) and soil slump at Kandamthitta (Lat: 8O
30’35” and Long: 770 10’9”). Vulnerability of this area to frequent landslides warrants an early
preparation of landslide hazard zonation map. After the 2001 Amboori landslide studies, GSI has
recommended detailed study in this area to identify other landslide vulnerable spots to take up
necessary precautionary measures.
The present study envisages preparation of a landslide hazard zonation map

(mesozonation) on 1:10,000 scale for an area of about 20 sq km, encompassing Amboori and its
surroundings, bounded by Lat. 8º25’00” and 8º35’00” and Long. 77º10’00” and 77º15’00”
(Toposheet 58H/2). To begin with, a database on geology, geomorphology, land-use/land-cover,
structure, geotechnical properties of the soil and soil characteristics, rain fall data and palaeo-
landslides will be created for the selected area. From this newly created database, various
thematic maps will be prepared. CARTOSAT imagery will be used for creating DEM for
extracting slope and slope facet. Satellite imagery and aerial photos will be used for the
preparation of geomorphology, structure, land use, land cover, etc. Soil characteristics and its
geotechnical properties are the vital parameters in determining the LHEF (Landslide Hazard
Evaluation Factor). Using the thematic maps and results of various analysis, THEF (Total Hazard
Evaluation Factor) will be determined. From the THEF, LHZ (Landslide Hazard Zonation) map
on mesoscale (1:10,000) will be prepared as per BIS/GSI guidelines. The final hazard zonation
map will be of immense utility in the perspective planning for various developmental activities.
The present work includes field checks, limited mapping and collection of soil samples
for testing intact shear strength at the Geotechnical Lab of GSI SR, Hyderabad.
CHEMICAL LABORATORY
Item No. 084

FSP: 2008-09
Service Item: SER/SR/KRL/2008/062
Title: CHEMICAL ANALYSIS OF GEOLOGICAL SAMPLES BY INSTRUMENTAL AND
CLASSICAL METHODS.
Sl.No. NATURE OF WORK Personnel

1. Chemical analysis of geological samples K.N. K. Kartha Chemist (Sr)-in-Charge
by conventional and instrumental analyses N. Rajasekharan, Chemist (Jr)
N.S. Nair, Chemist (Jr)
Status of Instruments
Sl. Instrument Year of Present Status
No. Procurement
1. AAS, Model AA 10 1988 Very old. Frequent break downs.
VARIAN MAKE Replacement of the instrument required.
Indent placed for a new AAS
2. AAS, Model A Analyst 100, 2003-04 FIAS not working due to defective main
PERKIN ELMER make with board.
Graphite furnace and FIAS (for Order placed for replacement of main
hydride generation) board
3. UV-VIS Spectrophotometer
1. SYSTRONICS make 2003 Working
2. Thermoelectron Corp. 2005 Not working
4. Ion Analyser 2003 Fluoride electrode not working.
720 A PLUS Under warranty replacement
Orion Make
5. Fire Assay Furnace 1990 Not working. Needs replacement
Local Make
Analyses proposed to be taken up during FS 2008-09

Sl. Nature of samples Number of samples
No.
1. NGCM (Li, Cs) from GSI SR Hyderabad 1000
2. NGCM (Au) from GSI SR Hyderabad 1500
3. Fluoride Analysis 1000
Samples from Kerala Unit
3. Gold (Non-NGCM) 1050
4. Whole Rock (Non-NGCM) 10
5. Water (NGCM) partial 28
Details of Analyses required for FS 2008-09

Sl. Nature of analysis Name of Laboratory No of analyses required
No. NGCM STM GOLD
1. GCS Chemical lab. Kerala Unit 50
2. PCS Chemical lab. Kerala Unit 10
3. PS GSI SR/ GSI Kerala 25
4. EPMA GSI SR 10
5. PGE GSI SR - 15 -
6. FIS PPOD, AMSE, Bangalore 10
7. SSS Regional chemical Lab, 178
GSI SR, Hyderabad composite
samples
8. Regolith Regional chemical Lab, 9
GSI SR, Hyderabad
9. C-horizon Regional chemical Lab, 9
GSI SR, Hyderabad
10. W Chemical lab. Kerala Unit 28
11. FP Regional chemical Lab, 2
GSI SR, Hyderabad
12. H Regional chemical Lab, -
GSI SR, Hyderabad
13. PTS Chemical lab. Kerala Unit 300
14. SS/BRS Chemical lab. Kerala Unit 700

Operations and Mineral Resources of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

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Operations and Mineral Resources of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

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OPERATIONS: TAMIL NADU AND PUDUCHERRY

MAP, CARTOGRAPHY, PUBLICATION AND INFORMATION DIVISION

During F.S. 2007-08, work pertaining to digitisation of geological maps (1:50,000) in

SPECIALISED THEMATIC MAPPING

NATIONAL GEOCHEMICAL MAPPING

During 2007-08, Petrology Division extended assistance in carrying out petrographic

Geotechnical Studies in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

During the FS 2007-08, one Construction stage investigation (Mambazhathuraiyar

Geotechnical Studies in Kerala

During F. S. 2007-08, preparation of landslide inventory in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry

1 Planning, formulation and implementation of annual field season programme

1 Technical Consultancy work.

Item No: 058 Personnel

Procurement of : Toposheets of different scales will be procured as and when necessary

Item No: 059 Personnel

Project Name: GEOINFORMATICS Item No. 060

CHARNOCKITE, PENINSULAR GNEISSIC COMPLEX-II, GONDWANA

2) Thematic data input of themes 36 36

4) Layerwise Graphic data input for 16

* Includes 5 reports of Mapping Domain

# Includes 6 reports of Mining Domain

2) Thematic data input of themes 33 33

4) Layerwise Graphic data input for

@ Includes 2 reports of Mapping Domain

$ Includes 7 reports of Mapping Domain

** all these reports figured under Mining Domain

Geology of 58M: The crystalline basement constituted by charnockite, different types of

Item No: 061 Personnel

Title : Service support to Operation: Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry & Kerala

a) To extend assistance in petrographic studies to various ongoing field items.

* Part time DDO

Mission: Surface Mapping

Keywords TECTONIC FRAME WORK, TECTONIC ZONE, KANGEYAM

1. To trace the extension of the Kangeyam tectonic zone

Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

Mission: Surface Mapping

1. To study and extend the contact zone of Granite-greenstone terrain and

Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

Mission: Surface Mapping

Keywords LINEAMENT, MOYYAR, BHAVANI, ATTUR

1. To characterise and classify the Moyar and Bhavani lineaments.

Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

The granulite terrain of Tamil Nadu is transected by a number of prominent lineaments /

In view of these contrasting interpretations on the kinematics of the Moyar-Bhavani shear

Mission: Mineral and energy resource exploration

Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

Nature, quantum of work and time schedule

The Sittampundi complex is a layered ultramafic-mafic sequence passing upwards from

In continuation of this, a two-year programme has been launched to investigate the

Petrographic studies supported by EPMA have indicated that the PGE-mineralised

Mission: Mineral and Energy Resources Exploration

Objective To delineate the potential zones of PGE mineralisation.

Nature, quantum of work and time schedule

The Mettuppalaiyam Ultramafic Complex (MUC) extends for about 60 km in an ENE-

Mission: Mineral and Energy Resources Exploration

Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

In the light of these observations, it is proposed to launch a concept-oriented exploration

Mission: Surface Mapping

Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

Nature, Quantum of work and Time schedule

STATUS OF SAMPLING UNDER PROJECT: NGCM IN TAMIL NADU

Topo- GCM Sample