Varsha Ashok Aglawe Appointed First Female Director General of India's Geological Survey

Varsha Ashok Aglawe has taken charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI), becoming the first woman to lead the 176‑year‑old institution. She succeeds Asit Saha, who served as DG from July 2024 to July 2026.

Aglawe joined GSI in 1992 after working with the Indian Bureau of Mines and brings more than three decades of experience as a palaeontologist and geoscientist. Prior to her appointment she was Additional Director General and Head of Department for the Eastern Region in Kolkata.

In her inaugural statements, Aglawe said the survey will align its programmes with government priorities on critical mineral exploration, offshore mineral prospects, and mineral security. She also pledged to strengthen laboratory infrastructure, accelerate deep‑seated and concealed mineral deposit exploration, and promote advanced geoscientific research, natural‑hazard studies, glaciology, and capacity building for young scientists.