Established in the early 1960s as the Department of Geology, the Department of Earth and Environmental Studies (EES) was renamed in 2012 to reflect its expanding academic and research focus on environmental science, sustainability, and natural resource management. Today, the Department embraces a multidisciplinary approach to understanding Earth systems, addressing environmental challenges, and advancing sustainable solutions for society.
The Department offers a two-year M.Sc. programme in Applied Geology and Geoinformatics, combining strong theoretical foundations with practical and field-based training. The curriculum encompasses mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, palaeontology, hydrogeology, economic geology, geochemistry, geochronology, remote sensing applications in Earth science, fuel geology, and exploration techniques. The programme equips students with the knowledge and skills required for careers in academia, scientific research, industry, and government organisations.
The Department also coordinates the multidisciplinary M.Tech. programme in Environmental Science and Technology, introduced in 2009-10, in collaboration with several departments of the Institute. In addition, it contributes to undergraduate education across engineering disciplines by offering environmental science courses and specialised courses for students of Civil Engineering and Metallurgical and Materials Engineering.
The Department is supported by a range of teaching and research facilities, including advanced polarising microscopes, geological specimen collections, an Analytical Geochemistry Laboratory, dry and wet environmental laboratories, and geospatial analysis facilities. These resources support laboratory-based learning, field investigations,interdisciplinary research, consultancy, and technical training.
The Department's research activities address a broad spectrum of emerging and societally relevant themes, including mineral exploration and critical minerals, groundwater and hydrogeology, air quality management, climate change, environmental impact assessment, sustainability, carbon management, microplastics, remote sensing and GIS, environmental data analytics, circular economy, and environmental health. Through sponsored research projects, consultancy assignments, and capacity-building initiatives, the Department provides scientific and technical expertise in environmental monitoring, groundwater assessment, geospatial analysis, sustainability evaluation, and environmental management.
Through excellence in teaching, innovative research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and engagement with society, the Department of Earth and Environmental Studies strives to advance scientific understanding, develop sustainable solutions to contemporary Earth and environmental challenges, and contribute to a resilient and environmentally responsible future.
Vision
To impart quality scientific and technical education with increased focus on research and innovation in the fields of earth sciences and environment to cater to the need of the country.
Mission
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To produce highly qualified, skillful and motivated manpower with understanding of basic knowledge on earth sciences as well as producing highly qualified professional manpower in the field of environment that can provide service and leadership to the nation.
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To pursue creative research and strive for new innovations in the fields of earth sciences and environment in order to serve the nation for a sustainable future.
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To enhance the visibility in the country by actively contributing to the technical activities and conferences.
ERP