# Varsha Aglawe becomes first woman GSI chief in 176 years 2026-08-08T10:42:12+00:00 | Governance | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet Varsha Ashok Aglawe has taken charge as the 54th director general of the Geological Survey of India, becoming the first woman to lead the 176-year-old organisation in its history. A palaeontologist with over 30 years of experience, she joined the GSI in 1992 and previously served as additional director general in Kolkata. She succeeds Asit Saha, who held the post for two years. On assuming office, Ms Aglawe said the GSI will align its programmes with the government's focus on critical mineral exploration and mineral security. Her priorities include accelerating exploration of deep-seated mineral deposits, expanding offshore mineral surveys, strengthening lab infrastructure, and promoting advanced geoscientific research, natural hazard studies, glaciology, and capacity building for young geoscientists. ## Coverage - thehindu.com Tags: critical minerals, first woman director general, Geological Survey of India, mineral exploration, palaeontologist, Varsha Aglawe Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/varsha-aglawe-becomes-first-woman-gsi-chief-in-176-years/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/varsha-aglawe-becomes-first-woman-gsi-chief-in-176-years/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.