“No geological investigation could be taken up in 2008-09. No such investigation can be taken up in 2009-10. Owing to lack of funds and technical staff, the department cannot support any project that the Geological Survey of India (GSI) wishes to undertake in Punjab. However, the GSI is requested to undertake geo-mapping of soil in Bathinda, owing to high incidence of cancer cases in the district and investigate the outflow of a black viscous paste in Faridkot on a priority basis.”

These are the proceedings of a meeting between the Geological Wing of Punjab and the Geological Survey of India held recently. Even as the state’s list of geological worries is on the rise, the number of geologists in the state is down to two from 22 a decade ago as no fresh recruitment has been made in the last many years.

Unlike states rich in mines and minerals, which have a separate mining and geology department, in Punjab the Geological Wing functions under the Department of Industries and Commerce. The department’s mining and engineering wing, which takes up field investigations, however, has no staff and funds to attend to even the most pressing concerns of the state, such as spurt in cancer cases in Bathinda.

The department has now sought the cooperation of the GSI to investigate the scourge of the dreaded disease in Bathinda. Stating that 733 patients have been registered with the district hospital during the last three years and the actual number can be much higher, it has asked the GSI to undertake geochemical mapping of the area to discover the constituents in the soil that causes cancer.

... contd.