Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun (WIHG)

Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun is an autonomous research institute of the Department of the Science & Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India. Initially named as the Institute of Himalayan Geology, it was ren as the Institute of Himalayan Geology, it was renamed as the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology in memory of its founder, the late Prof. D. N. Wadia (F.R.S. and National Professor), in appreciation to his contributions to the geology of the Himalayas. During the last quarter century the Institute has grown into a centre of excellence in Himalayan Geology and is recognised as a National Laboratory of international repute with well equipped laboratories and other infrastructural facilities for undertaking advanced level of research in the country. In the early years of the Institute, the major thrust of the research activity was directed towards remote areas with difficult mountainous terrain and hard working conditions, as well as where the geological framework and geological knowledge were lacking. In the beginning the Arunachal Himalaya, Higher Himalaya of Kumaun and Lahaul-Spiti and Indus-suture of Ladakh and Karakoram were taken as priority areas for geological research. Now the thrust of the research has been focused on some specialized areas of national as well as international relevance in both the western and eastern Himalayas. With the continuous growth of analytical and field observational facilites as well as in-house expertise for undertaking intergrated geoscientific research, the major scientific programmes being pursued under the present 11th Five Year Plan are aimed to address special scientific themes in the form of Mission Mode Projects (MMP). The present MMPs are: To undertake, aid, promote, guide and coordinate researches in geology of the Himalaya and foster a tradiation of scholarships. To carry-out research towards the development of new concepts and models concerning geodynamic evolution of the Himalaya through an integrated interdisciplinary approach. To co-ordinate research activities amongst different institutions and universities in the country working in the field of Himalayan Geology and related areas. To organise workshops, seminars, symposia and training programmes in specialised disciplines and on topics related to the geology of Himalaya. To serve as the National Reference Centre for the geology of Himalaya and to provide high level consultancy services to various institutions, public agencies and industries. To collaborate with foreign research organisations and universities in the fields relevant to the objectives of the institute with special emphasis on application of new tools, methodologies and analytical techniques. To disseminate knowledge and information relating to geological and allied researches in the Himalaya through publication of monographs, research papers, maps, scientific reports, bibliographies, etc. To establish affiliation with recognised universities and centers of higher education to promote Himalayan geology and enable research scholars to register for post-graduate and research degress in the field. To inspire and encourage young earth scientists in the study of geology of the Himalaya. To institute a Wadia National Fellowship in Himalayan Geology for carrying out research work at the Institute. ...view more