President Murmu Highlights Key Steps Towards Mineral Self-Sufficiency and Green Transition

President Murmu emphasized the critical role of achieving self-sufficiency in mineral production as India strives to become a developed nation by 2047.

On August 20, 2024, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu presented the National Geoscience Awards-2023 at a ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre. In her address, President Murmu emphasized the critical role of achieving self-sufficiency in mineral production as India strives to become a developed nation by 2047.

The President expressed satisfaction with the government's initiatives, including the integration of geoscientific data through the National Geoscience Data Repository Portal and the use of AI and emerging technologies in mineral exploration and mining. She noted that these efforts will enhance understanding and utilization of India's natural resources.

Highlighting India's commitment to sustainable development and achieving Net Zero Carbon Emission, President Murmu emphasized the importance of focusing on critical minerals and rare earth elements for the green transition. She expressed confidence that the establishment of the National Critical Minerals Mission will bolster India's self-reliance and strengthen the value chain of essential minerals.

The President also welcomed the establishment of the National Landslide Forecasting Centre in Kolkata, which will provide early warnings for landslide-prone states. She stressed the need for robust systems to minimize damage from natural disasters such as landslides and floods.

Recognizing India's geological heritage, President Murmu urged the youth to appreciate geo-tourism and geo-heritage sites as a way to foster interest in geosciences. She described geo-tourism as a valuable medium to encourage more individuals to pursue careers in this field.

The National Geoscience Award, instituted by the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, honors individuals and teams for their exceptional contributions and achievements in various fields of geosciences.