SOUVENIR COMMITTEE - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

TRAINING ON 

PALYNOLOGY IN FOSSIL FUEL EXPLORATION 

SEPTEMBER 10-17, 2012 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow

SOUVENIR COMMITTEE 

Dr. Rupendra Babu 

Dr. C.M. Nautiyal 

Mr. Madhukar Arvind 

Dr. Nilay Govind 

Brought out by Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany (2012)

Contents 

From the Desk of Director, BSIP and Coordinator, Training 

Programme 

Programme 2 

The Speakers 

[Profiles and Abstracts] 

The Participants 

[Profiles] 

About Lucknow 51 

About BSIP 54 

Committees 56 

1 

4 

37

Training Programme on “PALYNOLOGY IN FOSSIL FUEL EXPLORATION” 

[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

From the Desk of the 

Director, BSIP and Coordinator, Training Programme 

Palynology is an important branch of Palaeobiology, concerned with the study of 

organic walled microfossils found in the sedimentary rocks. Palynological study of the 

total particulate organic matter in the sediments has developed as an important field of 

research (as palynofacies study) for reconstruction of depositional environment and 

evaluation of hydrocarbon source rock potential. With the development of sequence stratigraphy in 

sedimentary geology, palynology and palynofacies have emerged as important components in integrated 

multidisciplinary studies. Significance of palynomorphs has been amply demonstrated for characterizing 

various sequence components, correlation of terrestrial and marine deposits and relative sea-level fluctuations. 

A vast amount of palynological data has been generated from the petroliferous sedimentary basins of India 

during the past five decades. However, it is only during the last two and half decades that significant 

development with regard to the application aspects of palynomorphs and palynofacies have taken place due to 

the increasing emphasis on hydrocarbon exploration in different on-shore and off-shore sedimentary basins. 

Frontier fields of these applications are in the dating and correlation of sediments through identification of 

global bio-events (FAD and LAD), high-resolution integrated biostratigraphy for finer zonations, recognition 

of T/R cycles, reconstruction of palaeoenvironment and palaeoclimate, identification of sequence boundaries, 

maximum flooding surfaces, characterization of system tract components, deciphering relative sea-level 

changes, and better understanding of hydrocarbon source potential facies. 

Palynology has, therefore, proven its application in all the commercially producing sedimentary basins of 

India— Cambay, Mumbai Offshore, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery and Assam. Based on the identification of 

globally recognized dinoflagellate cyst Bio-horizons, a fine stratigraphic resolution of 0.5 to 1 Ma has been 

achieved in some of these basins. Analyses of terrestrial palynomorphs and dinoflagellate cysts have helped to 

develop palaeoenvironmental models useful in basinal studies. Palynofossils have been extremely valuable in 

providing age support. These have been proved particularly useful where sedimentary formations are devoid of 

/ poor in microforaminifera and calcareous nannoplankton. These multifaceted approaches facilitated 

emergence of ‘Applied Palynology’ or ‘Industrial Palynology’ as a potentially viable tool in solving geologic 

problems and hydrocarbon exploration. 

The fast growing energy requirement in the oil and natural gas sector and the gap between indigenous 

production and likely demand require constant striving to enhance hydrocarbon production in our country. 

With further expansion of exploration operations in the oil industry, demand for Applied Palynology is bound 

to increase manifold in the coming future. However, it is said that western countries may likely face a serious 

shortage of Industrial palynologists in the coming decade and urgently need active support from industry and 

academic institutions to work in closer alliance. In the present global scenario of integrative and productive 

research, expectation from scientists have immensely increased especially in terms of utility of the outcome of 

research for the benefit and development of the society 

This Training Programme is aimed at educating/ training young researchers in generating geo-scientific data 

related to the palynological and organic facies aspects and their application in exploration of liquid, solid and 

gaseous fossil fuels. The structure of the programme includes thematic lecture series by eminent subject 

experts. Practical demonstrations of preparation techniques and microscopic observations, under the guidance 

of institutes’ scientists are planned. We have organised a one day visit to interact with experts at KDMIPE 

&, ONGC. 

I am happy that many outstation young students have shown keen interest and I am sure that this programme 

will motivate all of them to pursue their career in related fields of fossil fuel exploration. 

Naresh C. Mehrotra 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow 

1


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

PROGRAMME 

Date (Day) Time Programme details 

10.09.2012 12:15-13:30 hrs Foundation Day Lecture— BSIP Role in 

(Monday) 

Palaeobotanical Studies in India vis-à-vis Hydrocarbon 

Exploration 

Speaker: Sri Kuldeep Chandra 

Lunch break 

14:30-15:30 hrs Inaugural Function: Training Programme 

Chair Person- Prof. S.N. Bhalla, Chairman, Research 

Advisory Council, BSIP 

Tea break 

16:00-17:30 hrs Visits to different Laboratories/ Library/ Museum/ 

Herbarium 

11.09.2012 10:00-11:00 hrs Lecture— Synergy between Organic Geochemistry and 

(Tuesday) 

Palynology towards enhancing effectiveness of Petroleum 

Exploration 

by Sri Kuldeep Chandra (Dehradun) 

Tea break 

11:30-12:30 hrs Lecture— Palynological Techniques and its applications 

in Hydrocarbon Exploration 

by Dr. M. Shanmukhappa (ONGC, Dehradun) 

Lunch break 

14:00-15:00 hrs Lecture— Calcareous Nannofossil and its application in 

Hydrocarbon Exploration 

by Dr. R.K. Saxena (ONGC, Dehradun) 

15:00-16:00 hrs Lecture— Nannofossils: The Size Matters and a Matter 

of Size 

by Dr. (Mrs.) Jyotsana Rai (BSIP, Lucknow) 

Tea break 

16:30-17:45 hrs Microscopic observation – Nannoplankton 

Dr. Jyotsana Rai (BSIP, Lucknow) 

12.09.2012 10:00-11:00 hrs Lecture— Introduction to Dinoflagellates: Cyst 

(Wednesday) 

Morphology and Terminology 

by Dr. N.C. Mehrotra (Director, BSIP) 

Tea break 

11:30-12:30 hrs Lecture— High Impact Palynology in Hydrocarbon 

Exploration in commercially producing basins of India 

with recent achievements of BSIP 

by Dr. N.C. Mehrotra (Director, BSIP) 

Lunch break 

14:00-15:00 hrs Lecture— Application of Palynology in Coal 

Exploration: Case study from an Indian Gondwana 

Coalfield 

by Dr. Ratan Kar (BSIP, Lucknow) 

15:00-16:00 hrs Lecture— Stromatolites: An evidence of Early Life and 

their Stratigraphic Potential 

by Dr. Mukund Sharma (BSIP, Lucknow) 

Tea break 

16:30-17:45 hrs Microscopic observation – Dinoflagellate cysts 

Dr. Samir Sarkar (BSIP, Lucknow) 

Microscopic observation – Precambrian microbiota 

Dr. Rupendra Babu (BSIP, Lucknow) 


2


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Date (Day) Time Programme details 

13.09.2012 10:00-11:00 hrs Lecture— Geochemical Characterization of 

(Thursday) 

Hydrocarbon Crudes: Its application in Exploration 

by Dr. U.K. Bhui (PDPU, Ghandhinagar) 

Tea break 

11:30-12:30 hrs Lecture— Use of Scanning Electron Microscope studies 

in Palynology 

by Dr. Madhav Kumar (BSIP, Lucknow) 

Lunch break 

14:00-15:00 hrs Lecture— An Introduction to Gondwana Palynology in 

India 

by Dr. (Mrs.) Neerja Jha (BSIP, Lucknow) 

15:00-16:00 hrs Lecture— Palaeopalynology and its Applications with 

special reference to Tertiary Spore-pollen and 

Dinoflagellate Cysts 

by Dr. M.R. Rao (BSIP, Lucknow) 

Tea break 

16:30-17:45 hrs Maceration Processes & Microscopic observation – 

Spores-pollen 

Dr. Madhav Kumar & Dr. (Mrs.) Pauline Sabina K. 

14.09.2012 10:00-11:00 hrs Lecture— History of Palaeontology, Advances in 

(Friday) 

Microfossil studies, Biochronostratigraphy, Resolution 

Achieved application in Hydrocarbon Exploration 

by Dr. D.S.N. Raju 

Tea break 

11:30-12:30 hrs Lecture— Geochemistry and Palynology in 

unconventional Gas Resources and Exploration 

by Dr. Baleshwar Kumar (NGRI, Hyderabad) 

Lunch break 

14:00-15:00 hrs Lecture— Sedimentary Organic Matter: A Proxy Data 

for deciphering Sedimentary Environment 

by Dr. Madhav Kumar (BSIP, Lucknow) 

15:00-16:00 hrs Lecture— Fundamentals of Organic Petrology 

by Dr. A.K. Singh (RGIPT, Rae Bareli) 

Tea break 

16:30-17:45 hrs Microscopic observation – Coal Macerals 

Dr. B.D. Singh (BSIP, Lucknow) 

15.09.2012 10:00-11:00 hrs Lecture— Geological Facets of Coal Bed Methane 

(Saturday) 

by Dr. A.K. Varma (ISM, Dhanbad) 

Tea break 

11:30-12:30 hrs Lecture— Exploring Frontiers 

by Dr. U.C. Pradhan (ONGC, Dehradun) 

Lunch break 

14:30-17:00 hrs Valedictory Session 

Chief Guest – Dr. D.N. Singh, ONGC Dehradun 

Feedback & Distribution of Certificates 

16.09.2012 06:00 hrs Departure to Dehradun 

(Sunday) 

(only for outstation trainees) 

17.09.2012 09:00-13:00 hrs Visit to Keshava Dev Malviya Institute of Petroleum 

(Monday) 

Exploration, ONGC 

14:30 hrs Departure to Lucknow 


3

THE SPEAKERS 

• [ Profiles and Abstracts ] 

[Type your address] � [Type your phone number] � [Type your e-mail address] 

USER


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. ALOK KUMAR SINGH 

Department of Geology 

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroluem Technology 

Ratapur Chowk, Rae Bareli- 229316, U.P., India. 

E-mail: asingh@rgipt.ac.in, singhalokk@yahoo.co.in 

Dr. Alok Kumar Singh obtained Master’s degree in Geology with specialization in sedimentology 

and was awarded Ph.D. in Geology with specialization in Coal Geology and coal petrology from 

the Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, topic of Ph.D. Thesis being “Organic Petrology and 

Evolution of Paleogene Coal Deposits of Northeastern Himalaya, India. (Awarded in December 

1997). He was involved in Teaching & Research (Postdoctoral) -1998 to 2004; Industrial Research- 

June, 2004 – June, 2010 (R & D, Tata Steel Limited, Jamshedpur). He was awarded as Young 

Scientist By Indian Science Congress Association and received Khar Award for best paper by 

Indian Institute of Mineral Engineer’s. 

Dr. A. K. Singh has various professional activities as Member, International Committee for Coal 

& Organic Petrology; Executive Council Member of Coal Petrological Society of India; Life 

member of Geological, Mining and Metallurgical Society of India, Indian Institute of Mineral 

Engineers, Life member of Geosciences Foundation. 

He has numerous academic honors viz. Junior Research Fellowship (Oil Natural Gas Commission); 

Junior Research Fellowship (Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun); Senior Research 

Fellowship and Research Associate including Senior Research Associate (Pool Officer and Council 

of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi). 

Currently he is Faculty Member, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Rae Bareli since 

June 2010. His areas of research interest are the Coal Geology, Coal and Organic Petrology, Source 

Rock Characterization & Organic Maturation, Thermal History, Coal Utilization, Petroleum 

Geology. He is presently involved in carrying research activities in petrographic characterization 

and evolution of Mahanadi coals, Orissa and investigation of Damodar valley coals with reference 

to their hydrocarbon potential. 

Publication: 35 Research papers in the Journals of National and International Repute. 


4


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

FUNDAMENTALS OF COAL PETROLOGY 

ALOK K. SINGH 

Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology, Rae Bareli-229316 

asingh@rgipt.ac.in, singhalokk@yahoo.co.in 

It is a well instituted concept that coal is heterogenous organic sedimentary rock constituted 

dominantly of organic matter along with variable amounts of assorted minerals. The mineral matter 

occurs essentially as discrete mineral species having an extremely variable particle size and wide range of 

concentration. The organic constituents of coal are derived from the plant kingdom and subjected to 

intricate chemical and biochemical processes before their proper stratification and carbonization. These 

processes induce significant chemical and physical alterations in the original plant material and 

eventually transform them into a number of physically distinct entities, which can be identified and 

described at megascopic and microscopic scale. The organic constituents of coal at megascopic scale are 

called 'Lithotypes' Whereas the optically distinguishable entities are called 'maceral’. Scientists have 

described four different types of lithotypes in bituminous coals on the basis of their physical 

dissimilarities such as colour, luster, texture and type of stratification. These are vitrain, clarain, durain 

and fusian. 

The macerals of coal are equivalent to mineral in rocks, even though the criteria for a natural 

solid to be called mineral do not hold good for macerals. A particular maceral may differ in optical 

properties and chemical composition in coals of various ranks. Based on morphology and other optical 

properties, macerals of coal are broadly classified into three groups, viz. Vitrinite, Liptinite and Inertinite. 

Further these group macerals can be classified into different submacerals. International Committee for 

Coal Petrology (1971,75, 1994 and 1998) has suggested a scheme for maceral classification which is 

being followed for coal microscopy or coal petrology throughout the world. Apart from macerals, coals 

constitute variable quantity of inorganic matter called mineral matter. A wide spectrum of minerals is 

reported from coals but the most dominant minerals in coals are clays, carbonates, silica and various 

forms of sulphur (sulphide, sulphates and organic sulphur). In addition to the identifications of coal 

constituents as maceral and mineral matter, the constituents are also characterized and quantified as group 

macerals or maceral associations called ‘microlithotype’ and also as maceral-mineral associations called 

‘corbominerite’. There are certain rules set by the I.C.C.P. (1971 &75) for this kind of characterization. 

Accordingly microlithotypes are identified on the basis of two conventions- the minimum band with 50 x 

50 microns and the so -called 5% rule. The microlithotype may be monomaceral, bimaceral or trimaceral 

depending upon whether the macerals of one group, two groups or all the three groups are involved in the 

creation of a 50 micron band respectively. 

The science of coal petrology (coal petrography), deals the study of megascopic and the 

microscopic constituents of coal in qualitative and quantitative terms. Coal petrology is applied to the 

studies of the depositional environments of coals, correlation of coals for geological studies, and the 

investigation of coals for their industrial utilization. However, for any modern coal industry, the coal 

petrography has become the prime tool to characterize coals and decide about their utilization. Presently, 

it is more an applied science, which has become indispensable in solving the chemico-technological 

issues in context of use and quality control of coals in coking plants, briquetting plants and power 

stations. It is also playing very important role in evaluating a coals for beneficiation (coal preparation for 

downstream utilization). Recently, significance of coal petrology has been demonstrated in coalbed 

methane exploration and in potential CO2 sequestration into the coal seams. Besides, it plays an 

important role in all the oil exploration programs, especially for the optical characterization of the source 

rock and also for detecting their thermal maturation. 


5


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

PROF. ATUL KUMAR VARMA 

Coal Geology and Organic Petrology Lab. , 

Department of Applied Geology, 

Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad- 826004 

E-mail: atulvarma@hotmail.com 

• Professor in Department of Applied Geology, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 

• Teaching and Research Experience: More than 30 years 

• Awarded Ph.D. Degree from Silesian Technical University, Gliwice (Poland) in Applied Geology 

(Coal Geology, Organic Petrology and Coal Conversion) under Polish Government Scholarship 

through Government of India. 

• Awarded National Mineral Award in Coal and Lignite Exploration by Government of India. 

• Awarded Commonwealth Fellowship to carry out research works in U.K 

• Member, Editorial Board, Journal of Geological Society of India 

• Authored 84 papers including 10 papers in International Journals of repute (like Fuel, International 

Journal of Coal Geology, Journal of Thermal Analysis etc.) 

• Three Books Edited 

• Member of several International Professional Bodies like TSOP (The Society for Organic 

Petrology), ICCP (International Committee for Coal and Organic petrology), Member of SAAEG 

(South Asian Association of Economic Geologists). 

• Countries travelled: USA, United Kingdom (Great Britain), Poland, Czech, Slovenia, Austria, 

Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Germany, France, Italy, Belgium, Holland, Luxembourg, Thailand, 

Japan and Canada . 

• Carrying out active research works in Coal Geology, Organic petrology, Coal Conversion, Coal 

Bed Methane, Shale gas, CO2 sequestration and source rock evaluation 

• Participating in European Commission funded project on CO2 sequestration 

• Member, International Working Group on “Microscopy of Carbon Materials". 


6


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

GEOLOGICAL FACETS OF COAL BED METHANE 

ATUL KUMAR VARMA 

Department of Applied Geology, Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad- 826004 

E-mail: atulvarma@hotmail.com 

Author discusses various geological parameters for coal bed methane (CBM) exploration. The 

nanopores (micropores) are very significant for CBM as well as capture and storage of carbon dioxide 

(CO2) in coal seams reducing the release of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere. The coal plays an 

important resource in the production of methane from coalbeds. The nanopores (micropores) are 

responsible for most of the porosity in coal whereas the cleats provide the principal source of 

permeability for fluid flow. Coal beds have several types of cleats viz. (a) face cleat (primary cleat) (b) 

butt cleat (secondary cleat) (c) tertiary cleat (d) master cleat (e) super cleat (f) micro-cleat Methane flow 

in coal bed indicates that methane in gaseous phase must diffuse through the nanopore structure of coal 

matrix until reaches a cleat followed by Darcy flow through the cleats to a well. Cleat attributes include 

size, spacing, connectivity, aperture, degree of mineral fill, and patterns of preferred orientation on local 

and regional scales (Mavor and Close,1991; Karacan and Okandan, 2000). The relation between gas flow 

behavior and coal seam structure is generally modeled as a dual porosity system of macropores (cleats) 

and surrounding system of micropores (nanopores).The diffusion is generally modeled applying Fick’s 

Law and the free flow is modeled using Darcy’s Law. It is also interpreted regarding nanopore 

development and evolution in coal which takes place in three distinct stages. Here, author also discusses 

about coal and its petrographic composition. 


7


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. BALESHWAR KUMAR, B.E., Ph.D. 

Chief Scientist and Head , 

Geochemical Exploration of Petroleum & Gas 

Adviser/Consultant, Carbon Management (Former) 

National Geophysical Research Institute , Hyderabad 500007 

E-mail: baleshk@yahoo.com 

Dr. Baleshwar Kumar obtained his B.E. degree in instrumentation with specialization in Industrial 

Instrumentation from University of Pune in 1969 and Ph.D in Geochemistry from Indian Institute of 

Science, Bangalore in 1986. He has over 40 years of Research and Development Experience at National 

Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI), Hyderabad and Bharathidasan University in Energy Security and 

Sustainability; Geochemical Exploration of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Unconventional Oil & 

Gas;Isotope Geology/ Geochemistry and its applications to Geohydrology, Geothermal Research, 

Hydrocarbon Exploration, Early Evolution of Life, Carbon Budget Changes, Event Stratigraphy and 

Palaeo-environmental Studies etc. 

He has obtained comprehensive training in Isotope Geology ( 977-1978) at Federal Institute of 

Geosciences and Natural Resources, Hannover, Germany. Dr. Kumar has published more than 40 

research papers in National and International journals and coordinated projects sponsored by International 

Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Vienna, Austria; Department of Science and Technology (DST); Oil and 

Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC); Oil Industry Development Board (OIDB); Directorate General of 

Hydrocarbons (DGH); Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC); Jubilant Oil and Gas Pvt. Ltd. etc. 

Dr. Kumar has established National Facility for Surface Geochemical and Microibial Prospecting of 

Hydrocarbons at NGRI with a grant of ~ Rs. 70 Million from OIDB, comprising of Stable Isotope Mass 

Spectrometers, Gas Chromatographs, GC- MS and Total Organic Analyzer etc. He led integrated 

geochemical surveys in frontier onland and offshore basins and NELP blocks of India covering an area of 

0.6x10 6 Sq. Km. He also coordinated project on Geological CO2 Sequestration in basalt formations of 

Western India: A Pilot Study (sponsored by DST; Ministry of Power; National Thermal Power 

Corporation and Battelle Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, USA). 

He has convened & organized three International Symposium at NGRI (Carbon Capture and Storage and 

Hydrocarbon Exploration) and is a renowned scientist of National and International repute. Dr. Kumar has 

delivered invited talks at various National/International forums; G8 countries meetings at Norway on 

CCS; AAPG meetings in USA; Colorado School of Mines, Colorado, USA; University of Utah, Salt 

Lake, USA and AAAPG meeting in China etc. 

Dr. Kumar is fellow/member of several National/ International Associations. He has worked as visiting 

consultant for the project RES-OIL funded by Oil Industry Development Board with Bharathidasan 

University, Tiruchirapalli. He is an International expert on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and has 

drafted a concept paper on CCS for UNEP. He is the Member/ Fellow of several National and 

International Scientific Societies and has represented India at several International forums including G8 

countries meeting. 

Dr. Kumar has recently (June, 2011; April 2012) delivered invited talks on ‘India Initiatives towards 

Shale gas Exploration and Development’ and ‘Shale Oil & Gas: India’s Perspective’ at International 

Conferences in Beijing & Wuxi, China. He has also coordinated the technical organization of 

International Conference on ‘Unconventional Sources of Fossil Fuel and Carbon Management’ held at 

Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Feb. 2011.The conference 

was organized in association with Colorado School of Mines, Golden,USA. 


8


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

GEOCHEMISTRY AND PALYNOLOGY IN UNCONVENTIONAL GAS RESEARCH AND 

EXPLORATION 

BALESHWAR KUMAR 

National Geophysical Research Institute , Hyderabad 500007 

E-mail: baleshk@yahoo.com 

The energy scenario in India and even in the world is mostly driven by conventional fuel, (coal, 

oil & gas) which may last for ~ 200 years and therefore development of unconventional oil & gas fields 

have taken a major stride worldwide. While the developed economies, mostly USA and Europe are 

producing Unconventional shale gas & oil and coal bed methane on commercial scale, the emerging 

economies are still to explore and exploit. Gas is a cleaner fuel than oil and hence there is an urgent need 

for exploring and exploiting unconventional fossil fuels such as shale gas; coal bed methane; and gas 

hydrates. 

India has taken initiatives towards research and development of unconventional gas. The 

recoverable shale gas reserve estimates of India are around 60 tcf (EIA, 2011), but may be4-5 higher 

than these as EIA estimates is based on the available R&D data from conventionaloil and gas fields. The 

potential shale gas bearing basins of India are; Vindhyan, Gondwana, Cauvery, Krishna- Godavari, 

Bengal & Cambay etc. and these basins have shale horizons with Suitable maturity and TOC. Shale gas 

explorations have already been initiated in Cambay and Gondwana basins by Gujarat State Petroleum 

Corporation and Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC). ONGC have joined hands with Schlumberger 

and have drilled a bore well upto the depth of 2000 meters in Damodar valley coalfield area of West 

Bengal and the results are quite encouraging. The prognostic resource potential of coal bed methane and 

hydrate gas are around 20 and 2000 TCF respectively. The commercial production of coal bed methane 

(CBM) has already been started in the country. 

Status and outlook of India’s R& D program for unconventional gas resource exploration and 

exploitation will be presented and discussed with special reference to shale gas and coal bed methane. 

The role of Geochemistry and Palynology in shale gas and CBM research and exploration will also be 

deliberated. 


9


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. D.S.N.RAJU 

MSR Residency, 2 nd Floor 

Pragati Marg, J.N. Road, 

Rajahmundry - 533103, A.P., India 

E-mail: rajudsn1@gmail.com 

Dr. D.S.N. Raju obtained his M.Tech degree in 1963, from IIT Kharagpur; Certificate of training, 1968 

from UNESCO Center, Vienna, Austria; Certificate of Participation , 1971, in Austria, Hungary and 

Czechoslovakia and Ph.D., 1972, from State University of Utrecht (375 years old university), Netherlands 

in a record time. 

Since 1963, he worked in various capacities in Paleontology laboratories of ONGC at Dehradun, Baroda 

and Chennai. Worked as a scientific collaborator for IGCP Project-1 at Utrecht during 1975-1977. For 

sometime worked as an adviser and consultant to Energy and Geoscience Institute (EGI), University of 

Utah, USA in 2007 and again 2009. Presently working, with a few gaps, as consultant for ONGC at 

Dehradun and Rajahmundry. 

Some of the prestigious awards he has been conferred with are - National Mineral Award 1991; 1999- 

Award for Technocratic Excellence & Meritorious Achievements In The Field Of Petroleum Exploration 

By Technocrats Welfare Society , India; L. Rama Rao Birth Centernary Award 2000; Man of the year- 

2003 (American Biographical Institute); Outstanding contribution in the field of petroleum exploration 

2008 (American Association of Petroleum Geologists and Association of Petroleum Geologists). 

He has published nearly 150 scientific papers including extended abstracts. Major contributions include: 

• 1964-1968: Planktic foraminifera: results published from Austria and India. 

• 1969-1970: Basin Scale T/R cycle (Cambay Basin) 

• 1971-1972: Miogypsinidae: published as Utrecht Micropaleontological Bulletin, Vol. 9, pp 1-148 

• 1975: Recognition of pulsating evolution in larger foraminifera. 

• 1980-1987: Application of biostratigraphy in explorations, T/R cycles. 

• 1987-1994: Estimation of duration and magnitude of hiatuses in Indian basins. 

• 1995-1996: Reconstruction of sea-level changes. 

• 1996-2002: Application of foraminifera in recognition of 3 rd , 4 th , 5 th order sequences/cycles. 

• 2002-2009: Standardization of Indian stages. 

* Prepared several megacharts (Stratigraphy of India) 

* Prepared Oligo-Miocene larger foraminiferal zonation for ICS (International Commission on 

Stratigraphy) website. 

Contributor and Principal Editor of 3books-1993, 2005 and 2009. 


10


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

HISTORY OF PALEONTOLOGY, ADVANCES IN MICROFOSSIL 

STUDIES,BIOCHRONOSTRATIGRAPHY, RESOLUTION ACHIEVED APPLICATION IN 

HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION 

DSN RAJU 

MSR Residency, 2 nd Floor, Pragati Marg, J.N.Road, Rajahmundry-533103, A.P., India 

E-mail: rajudsn1@gmail.com 

Paleontology is one of the historical sciences along with archaeology, geology, biology, astronomy, 

cosmology and history itself. Before 17 th, Paleontology focuses on the macroscopic animal fossils preserved 

on the rocks based on the available information. The information of small fishes and marine shells on inland 

mountains were given by Xenophanes, Pythagora and Xanthus and large benthic foraminifera Nummulites 

(Herodotus). The Paleontology was used to understand the nature of mountains, climate, sea-level change, 

paleogeography: The 17 th century: the first diagram illustrating the disposition of strata, and its unconformity 

of later beds on earlier inclined strata (Steno,1638-1687), The outstanding geological figure of the 17 th century 

was undoubtedly carried out for advent of cryptic fauna (Micrograptia, 1665), foraminifera (Rotalia); sutures 

of ammonites (Hook 1965) under compound microscopes which named as micropaleontology and possible 

used in as a chronological index (extinction of species). After a centaury, a new branch named Palynology 

for the pollen and spores was introduced by Hyde and Williams in 1944. 

They are monumental in integration of microfossil data with other branches of geology in 

interpretation of plate tectonics and paleogeography. 

The birth of economic or commercial micropaleontology can be attributed to the advent of oil industry. 

This signalled the present “Application phase of micropaleontology in Hydrocarbon exploration and 

production.’ 

The advent of sequence stratigraphy in 1977 demanded a major role by micropaleontologists. 

Advances in the study of microfossils: The morphological nature of forms to molecular (ribosomal DNA 

sequences) micro-paleontology suggested by various workers (Srinivasan, 2007, Hayward et al 2003). 

Hydrocarbon reservoirs were first predicted based on the recovery of microfossils from well to well ( 

Gryzbowski, 1980). A detailed account on advances in the application of biostratigraphy to Petroleum 

Exploration and Production (Giwa et.al. 2006). The sub branches include: 1. Biostratigraphy, 2. 

Biostratigraphic events concept, 3. High resolution biostratigraphy, 4. Wellsite biostratigraphic support, 

5. Biosteering, 6. Ecostratigraphic techniques, 7. Quantitative stratigraphy and 8. Biostratigraphic workstation. 

Studies on stable isotopes and trace elements in foraminifera as proxy of paleoclimate, paleobiology and 

paleooceanography are under progress in India. 

Resolution achieved in biochronostratigraphy through various tools/methods: 

Microfossils palyed/ playing a major role in Dating of sediments, seismic origins and well log breaks, 

Well to well, inter basinal and intercontinental correlations,Determination of paleoenvironments/ 

paleobathymetries, recognition and estimation of duration of hiatuses including submarine, eEstablishing 

biochronostratigraphic frame work,3 rd , 4 th , 5 th /6 th order stratigraphic cycles and relative sea level fluctuations 

and an independent scheme of foraminiferal sequence stratigraphy and to some extent dinoflagellates cysts 

sequence stratigraphy. 

Geosteering is related to process of drilling a borehole; adjusting the borehole position( inclination 

and azimuth angles) on the fly to reach one or more geological targets. 

Biosteering is combined data of paleontological related to the entombed microfossils in rocks in 

horizontal wells and LWD (log whilst drilling) for steering decisions. Because of fossils allow determination of 


11


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

stratigraphic position (above or below target porosity). It is relatively inexpensive compared with having larger 

suits of logging tools in the hole to determine the stratigraphic position, Paleoceanography, Monsoon timings, 

Evolution of life, understanding orogenic and plate tectonics. 

Biostratigraphy / Precise zone based on planktonic foraminifera, nannoplankton, spore-pollen, 

acritarchs and dinoflagellates cysts from the Cretaceous and Cenozoic surface-subsurface strata.are most useful 

and actually applied day to day in HC exploration and major hiatus and sea level in KG basins. Cauvery and 

Rajasthan and also Terrtiary sediments in Kutch. 


12


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. JYOTSANA RAI 

Scientist E 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany 

53, University Road 

Lucknow 226 007 

Email: jyotsana_rai@yahoo.com 

Obtained M.Sc. degree [1978] in Geology; Proficiency in French [1979], and Ph.D. [1988] on topic 

entitled “Calcareous Nannoplankton on Eocene of Kutch, Western India.” from Lucknow University 

Specialization: Calcareous Nannofossils, Organic Petrography 

She is associated with several Scientific Bodies and to name a few are - Member National Advisory 

Committee, The Ninth International Congress on Jurassic System to be held 06- 09 January 2014; 

Member, National working group IGCP- 506 Marine and Non –marine Jurassic: Global correlation and 

major geologic events (2005- 2009). Sponsoring Agency GSI, Kolkata; Co-ordinator International 

Conference on Geology and Hydrocarbon Potential of the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian Basins in India, 

Pakistan and the Middle East (Feb. 20-21, 2008), Geology Department, University of Jammu, Jammu; 

Member International Nannoplankton Association 

She is currently running a DST - Sponsored Project (No. SR/S4/ES-521/2010(G) ) as Project Investigator 

on Integrated nannofossil - ammonite biostratigraphy of Wagad Island, Kachchh Basin: 

Palaeoenvironmental and palaeobiogeographic implications 

Stood First in order of merit in M.Sc. 

International Deputation: 

1. 9 th International Nannoplankton Association Conference, Parma 8- 14 Sept.2002 and 6 th 

International Symposium on the Jurassic System, Mondello, Sicily, 15- 19 Sept. 2002, 

ITALY. 

2. Visited U.K. for three months (from 21 th March to18 th June 2008) for availing fellowship under 

INSA Exchange Programme to work with Drs. Jeremy Reupert Young & Susanne Fiest 

Burkhardt (Natural History Museum) and Dr. Paul Bown (University College 

London).Conducted researches concerning Juarssic nannofossils from classical western Indian 

sections and its comparison with European stratotypic Jurassic nanno - assemblages. The 

outcome may throw light on identification of substitute markers, species dispersal, provincialism, 

palaeobiogeography and integration of nannofossil with the ammonite zonation will permit and 

establish the nannofossil zonal indices in the mixed Tethyan province vis-a-vis European 

Mediterranean area during Jurassic time. 


13


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

NANNAOFOSSILS : THE SIZE MATTERS AND A MATTER OF SIZE 

JYOTSANA RAI 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow 226007 

Email: jyotsana_rai@yahoo.com 

“If you are small you have room to grow, but if you have grown where do you go?” 

The tiniest microplantons known to mankind are picoplanktons about which knowledge is 

obscure. The minutest plankton group in hierarchy is nannoplantons (that passes the plankton mesh). 

Coccolithophores include all haptophyte algae possessing calcified scales (coccoliths) at some stage in 

their life cycle. They belong to division Haptophyta and class Prymnesiophyceae. Calcareous 

nannoplankton fossils form a significant part of the modern carbonate depositional system and have been 

important since the Late Mesozoic. Coccoliths are remarkable biomineral structures and are about 

100times smaller than foraminifers. Their taxonomy is based on morphologic description of the 

micrometric calcareous liths or scales covering their cells and preserved in deep ocean sediments. These 

coccoliths constitute only the unit elements of the entire extra-cellular architecture of the organisms- the 

coccosphere. The need of optical combined with electron microscopes for morpho-taxonomic 

identificationis pre-requisite. Their morphological diversity is best known among any group of primary 

producers. Their morphological expressions are holococcoliths and heterococcoliths. Several 

coccolithophores display complex haplo-diploid life – cycles with the display of two or even three 

radically different coccoliths in the different stages. The coccolithophore became the important 

participants in the carbonate cycle of the Jurassic, but during Jurassic time span they were restricted to 

shelf and epeiric sea environments only. They spread into the open oceans in the Cretaceous and became 

the major factor in governing the carbonate cycle in the sea to the extent of became rock builders by 

producing chalk. With the advent of dissolution resistant forms e.g. Watznaueria barnesae, the 

coccolithophores migrated to the major site of carbonate deposition from shallow seas to deep ocean. The 

overall effect of coccolithophore evolution has been to move carbonate deposition to the deep sea, where 

coccolith oozes accumulate on ocean crust and will ultimately be subducted. Only a fraction of the carbon 

in the subducted carbonate is returned to the surface through volcanic activity. If this activity were to 

continue for several hundreds of millions of years the coccolithophores would remove much of the carbon 

from the surface of Earth to be emplaced in the mantle. And ultimately return the carbonate to the 

atmosphere as CO2 to participate in rock weathering process. It is possible that coccolithophore speciation 

changes could have influenced Dimethyl sulfide (DMS) emissions to the early atmosphere and may have 

contributed to palaeotemperature fluctuations. 

They were first recorded by C. G. Ehrenberg in 1836 while examining Cretaceous chalk from 

the island of Rügen in the Baltic Sea. In 1858 Sir T. H. Huxley while working with North Atlantic 

sediments named these small structures as “coccoliths”. Both of them considered these platelets as 

inorganic. H. C. Sorby (1861) observed the curvature of these small discs and considered them organic. 

Bramlette & Matini (1964) described their biostratigraphic potential for the first time. Their tiny size, 

short stratigraphic and wide biogeographic ranges make them ideal for biostratigraphical correlation 

especially in marine Mesozoic - Cenozoic sediments. They are most important group for dating in Deep 

Sea Drilling Projects and Ocean Drilling Programmes. A pin head amount material, acid free preparation 

technique and need of a sophisticated high- power polarizing microscope are some of the requirements for 

the study of this group. In petroleum industry this is the favoured branch of micropaleontologists. They 

are in astronomical numbers in a small fraction of a deep sea core and here the size matters! 


14


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

SRI KULDEEP CHANDRA 

Former Executive Director R&D ONGC Limited 

House No.492, Street No.-8, Lane No.-8 

Rajendra Nagar, Kaulagarh Road, 

Dehradun-248001, Uttarakhand 

Email: kuldeepchandra@rediffmail.com 

Sri Kuldeep Chandra obtained Master degree in Chemistry and and Proficiency Certificate In 

Petroleum Geochemistry, ASTEF France. Senior and Advance Management Certificate Courses of ASCI- 

Hyderabad, attended training and conferences and Kuwait related to geochemistry from the Different 

coutaries viz. France Netherlands, Russia Germany, U.K.,France Kuwait UK, USA and AbuDhabi and 

taringing contract for Petrobangla etc to Bangladesh and UN. Has published over 70 scientific and 

technical papers. 

He has become Chairman Management Committee of Joint Ventures in Tapti, PY-3, and Pranhita 

Godavari basin; Member Research Councils of IIP, NIP, NGRI, BSIP & Wadia Institute of Himalyan 

Geology. 

He has keen interest in various fields like petroleum geo-chemistry: Source-rocks evaluation, genetic 

correlations of oil, gas and formation waters, petroleum systems delineation, genetic modeling, isotope 

geochemistry and geochronology, surface geochemical prospecting, integration with basin studies and 

other geoscience data; ETROLEUM oil field CHEMISTRY related to Drilling Muds, oil-well cementing, 

corrosion, demulsification, dehydration, oil field additives and additives for pour point depression and 

water-shut off gels, scale removal and conformance control etc; 4.Upstream R8D Management. 

His present affiliation is as President of AAAPG; Member of Council Indian Association of Applied 

Geochemists; Life Member of various scientific bodies-Geological Society of India, Association of 

Exploration Geophysics, Association of Petroleum Geologists and Society of Petroleum Geophysicists, 

Indian Union of Geophysics; Indian Society of Analytical Chemistry and 

He has received several prestigious awards : National Mineral Award of Govt. of India; Dicennial Gold 

Medal of Indian Geophysical Union; Peter the great Gold Medal towards furthering upstream R & D, 

Russian Academy of Natural Sciences; Doon Ratna of Dehradun Nagrik Parishad, Millennium Award, 

Indian Society of Applied Geochemistry [ISAG]; Life Time Achievement Award from Indian Geological 

Congress, AAAPG, ISAG and SPG, He is winner of cash prize of Rs 1lakh and certificate By GEO- 

INDIA to ward outstanding contribution of Petroleum Geochemistry in Petroleum Exploration( 2008). 

He has several responsibilities in various capacities as Head Petroleum Source Rock Geochemistry Lab; 

Geochemistry Div. KDMIPE 1980-1982; Geoscience Research Group KDMIPE; Regional Geoscience 

Labs; G.M. Geoscience Labs KDMIPE; Director Instt. of Management Development; Head KDMIPE and 

Regional Director Northern Region; Executive.Director of R&D in ONGC. 

He has Current Interests to petroleum industry as Consultancy in Petroleum Geochemistry, and Petroleum 

Exploration; Teaching in the area of Petroleum Geochemistry to students of Univ. Pet & Energy Studies 

(UPES) Planning and Organizing Petroleum Exploration Proficiency Course under the aegis of 

PETROTECH Society of India; Giving Full Semester Course to MBA Students at University of 

Petroleum and Energy Studies on Management of Technology; Evaluation of competencies of students 

of Final Year of B.Tech Applied Petroleum Engineering and Petroleum Engineering Upstream. At 

present He is An Advisor Research UPES, Editor, Indian Jourrnal of Petroleum Geology and Member 

Governing Council for Exploration in Frontier Basins of India (ONGC Limited) 


15


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

PRINCIPLES OF EVALUATION OF PETROLEUM SOURCE ROCK POTENTIALS OF 

SEDIMENTARY ROCKS REVISITED 

KULDEEP CHANDRA 

Ex-Executive Director R&D ONGC Ltd. 

Email: kuldeepchandra@rediffmail.com 

All fine grained sedimentary rocks containing some organic matter are potential source 

rocks of petroleum. The sedimentary rocks contain finely dispersed organic matter. It is present in the form 

of sorbed gases, dispersed bitumen extractable by lipid solvents and kerogen which can be isolated from 

rocks after dissolution of inorganic matrix by hydrochloric and hydrofluoric acids digestion under an inert 

atmosphere to preserve as far as possible its native characteristics. The dispersed organic matters along 

with the fine grained sediments are prime candidates to be considered as potential source rocks of 

petroleum. 

The aim of all methods of source rock potential evaluation is to assess how good or bad is the 

potential and whether the potential is dominantly for oil or dominantly for gas. 

All sedimented organic matter, depending upon its biogenic building blocks and early digenetic 

transformations usually has hydrogen combined with carbon and minor amounts of oxygen and sulphur and 

nitrogen and traces of metals. The typing of kerogen would be controlled by its organic matter facies 

(petrological and palynological) and related magnitude of atomic H/C and O/C values. 

So long there is abundant hydrogen it will source both oil and gas under various processes of 

transformation of kerogen whether they are time temperature controlled or thermodynamically controlled 

spontaneous processes at various temperatures based on phase equilibria amongst kerogen, water, carbon 

dioxide plus methane and natural catalysts. The latter process involves series of hydrolytic oxidation and 

reduction reactions resulting in hydrogen deficient and hydrogen richer kerogen and carbon dioxide and 

incongruent melting of hydrogen richer kerogen to petroleum. The amount of liquid oil formed and relative 

permeability to it would effectively decide dominantly oil vs dominantly gas potential. In case the relative 

amount of oil formed is low enough to be not saturating the pore spaces and not expelled because f 

unfavourable relative permeability considerations, it will eventually be converted to gas through the 

oxidative reductive hydrolytic thermodynamic process into gas, dominantly methane. The temperature 

programmed pyrolysis of source rocks under inert atmosphere in an open system mimics natural process of 

generation of petroleum and is suitable for evaluation of total and remaining hydrocarbon generation 

potential. 

A comprehensive potential evaluation thus is best based on various parameters viz. a. Total 

concentration of organic matter (TOC), b. Concentration and composition of sorbed gases, c. Concentration 

and composition of lipid solvent extractable organic matter (EOM), d. Organic matter facies of dispersed 

organic matter employing coal petrographic and palynological methods and temperature controlled 

pyrolysis in open system under inert atmosphere; e. stage of maturation, f. clay content and nature of clay 

minerals. 

The maturation process under kinetically controlled concept measures the extent of thermal 

transformation of organic matter and under the thermodynamic concept measures the extent of incipient 

hydrolytic oxidation or depletion of hydrogen in kerogen. Both the concepts lead to measuring the effects of 

aromatization on the residual kerogen or bitumen in the dispersed organic matter. 

The currently used parameters are Tmax of Rock-Eval temperature programmed pyrolysis in open 

system, vitrinite reflectance, ratio of tri and tetra ring cycloparffins to tri and tera aromatic ring hydrocarbon 

ratios, the phenanthrene to alkylphenanthrene ratios still seem to be worthy of use. More research would be 

required to better appreciate the role of epimerization and isomerization processes as a measure of stage of 


16


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

maturation process under thermodynamically controlled incongruent melting process of kerogen. However, 

the thermodynamic concept is tending to make the concept of oil window irrelevant. Use of biomarker 

parameters on prograding aromatization of rings in hopens and steranes may be better parameters for 

maturation o over the epimerization and isomerization processes. 

The thermodynamic concept also has greater bearing on changes in porosity and permeability of 

combined inorganic and organic matrix and would demand more research in relation to source potential 

and ease of primary migration and potential of retaining the generated products. 

The need for greater integration of geochemistry, coal petrography, palynology, and petrophysics 

continues to exist. With the source rocks being taken as tight shale gas reservoirs, the integration is being 

taken forward to make first level evaluation of source rock potential through surface seismic surveys where 

seismic attributes are calibrated from petropysical well logs which in turn are calibrated with the 

geochemical attributes of source rocks. 

Petroleum industry will continue to demand both geochemical coal petrographical and 

palynological data for petroleum source rock potential evaluation for reducing risk in petroleum exploration 

and for maximizing value creation by obtaining better focus for areas where high quality petroleum systems 

may be present. 


17


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. MADHAV KUMAR 

Scientist ‘E’ 




E-mail: madhavbsip@gmail.com 

Dr. Madhav Kumar is Scientist ‘E’ at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow has over 31 

years experience in Cenozoic Palynology. After passing M. Sc. (Botany) from Banaras Hindu University, 

Varanasi, he joined BSIP in the year 1981. He received Ph.D. degree from the University of Kanpur in 

1986 for a thesis on ‘Palynostratigraphy of the Tertiary sediments of Northeast India’. He has done 

Palynostratigraphy and Palynofacies analysis of surface and subsurface Tertiary sediments of Assam, 

Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Kerala, Jharkhand, Jammu and Kashmir, and Early 

Cretaceous of Satpura and South Rewa basins of India. His main interest covers characterization of 

palynoflora of Cretaceous-Tertiary sediments and plant derived sedimentary organic matter, their 

taxonomy and determination of depositional environment. His current research includes high-resolution 

Palynostratigraphy and palynofacies analysis of Phanerozoic sedimentary basins of India. He has 

published 52 research papers in various international and national journals. 


18


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

SEDIMENTARY ORGANIC MATTER: A PROXY DATA FOR DECIPHERING 

SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTS 

MADHAV KUMAR 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow-226007 

E-mail: madhavbsip@gmail.com 

For the past three decades, studies on the sedimentary organic matter (acid resistant phytoclasts 

and zooclasts), its nature and depositional environments have been considered among the most 

multidisciplinary pursuit within the earth science. This discipline termed as ‘Palynofacies Analysis’ 

(sensu Combaz, 1964), has enabled palynologists to deduce detailed environmental interpretations, 

proven useful in fossil fuel exploration. Spore-pollen and marine phytoplankton compose only a small 

percentage, but plant-derived (structured and degraded phytoclasts) constitute a major part in the 

palynological slides. A proper appreciation of the discipline requires thorough understanding of the 

morphology of cellular details of various parts of the plant and its biodegradation processes involved 

during their pre-burial and burial stages. A thorough knowledge of morphology of spore-pollen, 

acritarchs, dinoflagellate cysts, microforaminiferal linings, algae, fungal hyphae and fruiting bodies and 

other microscopic zooclasts etc. is required while dealing the palynofacies analysis of a sedimentary 

horizon. Their careful observation and recognition of repeated occurrences of various palynological 

matter (palynomorph taxa and phytoclasts structured to various degree of biodegradation with mineral 

contents), their shape, size and evidence of microbial infections in various facies is key for successful 

palynofacies analysis of a strata of the sedimentary section. An improved knowledge for interpretation of 

the environmental controls that governs their ecology and production in the biosphere; and environmental 

and edaphic factors involved during their dispersal, sedimentation and diagenesis during burial in the 

geospheres. Palynofacies analysis in their stratigraphic context can help in the interpretation of the 

processes controlling the depositional set-ups provide a basis for deciphering their burial processes in 

various lithofacies. Identification of palynofacies in conjunction with conventional biostratigraphy can 

lead to an improved and more complete understanding of the stratigraphy of the vertical sequences. 


19


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. M. SHANMUKHAPPA 

GM-Head Geology Group, 

KDMIPE, ONGC, 9 Kaulagarh Road, 

Dehradun-248195 

E-mail: drmshanmukhappa@hotmail.com 

Dr. M. Shanmukhappa, General Manager is currently heading the Geology Group of KDMIPE. He 

has earned Master’s Degree in Geology from University of Mysore. He did his doctorate in Geology 

from M.S. University, Baroda. 

He joined ONGC in the year 1980. He has worked for interpreting palynological findings and 

integrated with the data of other geological laboratories and established biochronostratigraphy and 

depositional models in Cambay, Rajasthan, Krishna-Godavari, Kutch, Saurashtra, Mumbai, Assam & 

Assam-Arakan and Satpura basins. He has served the Corporation in various capacities for over thirty 

one years at different regions. He has been the Head of Geological Laboratories for last seventeen 

years. He has a vast experience in the studies of geological laboratories and applied the acquired 

knowledge to hydrocarbon exploration in general and to basin modeling in particular. 

He has gained advanced training experience in source rock potential evaluation in Moscow, USSR 

and also attended the Advanced Management training course at ASCI, Hyderabad and European 

countries viz., France, Belgium, Netherlands, Switzerland and Germany. 

He is a member of the Research Advisory Council of Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 

Lucknow and also editor of the Journal The Palaeobotanist. To his credit, he has many technical 

papers in reputed national and international journals. 


20


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

PALYNOLOGICAL TECHNIQUES AND ITS APPLICATIONS IN HYDROCARBON 

EXPLORATION 

M. SHANMUKHAPPA 

KDMIPE, ONGC, 9 Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248195 

E-mail: drmshanmukhappa@hotmail.com 

There is a continued increase of global demand for hydrocarbon in the 21 st century in 

developing countries due to industrialisation and fast growing population. In view of this, continued 

efforts are made to evolve different R&D techniques involving geological, geophysical and 

geochemical data to suggest the possible source and locales of hydrocarbons. ONGC is the India’s 

best leading national E&P company which has carried out most of the exploration work in different 

sedimentary basins of India. The surface and subsurface palynological studies in pursuit of 

hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in the ONGC’s premier institute KDMIPE are carried out in 

various Indian and foreign sedimentary basins. This lecture is aptly designed for young researchers to 

gain knowledge on palynological techniques and its application in hydrocarbon exploration. 

Palynology is one of the techniques used as an integral tool in the search for oil and gas. The 

multimicrofossil palynostratigraphic information of the Indian sedimentary basins has been generated 

by the palynologists of ONGC for the last three decades which greatly helped in oil industry. The 

development of industrial palynology and improved methods has been tremendous in the last 10 years 

in view of the practical synergistic approach to find more oil. A number of modern developments in 

palynology are utilised for precise dating of sediments, high resolution biostratigraphy for finer 

zonation, correlation paleogeography, paleoclimate, paleodepositional environments, sequence 

stratigraphy and source rock evaluation. Sequence stratigraphic analysis continues to be a dynamic 

area of study in the process of refining the geological modelling of the area related to the hydrocarbon 

exploration. The integrated approach of sedimentary process analysis, palynological marine index 

(PMI) analysis, log characters, seismic reflections, biostratigraphic studies and source rock studies led 

to petroleum system analysis and prioritisation of the exploratory efforts. Palynological study 

integrated with chemostratigraphy, add time stratigraphic value for identification of finer correlatable 

units in different depositional realms of the subsurface sediments. The integrated high resolution biochronostratigraphic 

studies in the east and west coast of India provided meaningful help in firming up 

the exploratory programmes. The high impact Palynology uses global bioevents of commonly utilised 

fossil groups spore-pollen, calcareous nannofossil, dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs, diatoms and 

silicoflagellates. Integrated palynological studies in the highly explored basins Assam-Arakan, 

Bengal, Mahanadi, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery, Andaman Offshore, Cambay, Kutch-Saurashtra, 

Rajasthan and Mumbai Offshore have been carried out to achieve bio-chronostratigraphic 

framework. The efforts are also made to develop petroleum systems sequence stratigraphic model to 

understand the genetically linked strata. Case histories of palynological studies and integration with 

other data sets add immense value to understand geological history of the area. The knowledge of 

palynological applications is paramount for effective communication of thoughts and new ideas 

through focussed industry-academia approach aiming oil industry needs. 


21


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. M R RAO 

Scientist - F 


53, University Road, Lucknow 226 007 

E-mail: rao.mr2008@gmail.com 

Dr. M. R. Rao is Scientist – F at the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany. He has 34 years research 

experience in the field of Tertiary and Quaternary Palynology. His study particularly relates to the 

morphotaxonomy of spore-pollen, palynostratigraphy and palaeoecological interpretations of Cretaceous- 

Tertiary and Quaternary sediments of India. He has done palynplogical analyses of Palaeogene-Neogene 

sediments of Meghalaya, Assam, Kutch and Saurashtra (Gujarat), Kerala, Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh 

and Haryana. He has successfully completed two DST sponsored projects entitled ‘Analysis of 

Palaeovegetation and Palaeoclimate of Hominin Bearing Quaternary Sediments of Central Narmada 

Valley, M.P.’ and ‘Monsoon intensification and Neogene-Quaternary Siwalik Biodiversity. Under the 

INSA Exchange of Scientists Programme, he visited Poland and China and attended conferences in 

Europe and Australia. He has published 37 research papers in various international and national journals. 


22

. 


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

PALAEOPALYNOLOGY AND ITS APPLICATIONS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO 

TERTIARY SPORE-POLLEN AND DINOFLAGELLATE CYSTS 

M R RAO 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 University Road, Lucknow-226 007 

E-mail: rao.mr2008@gmail.com 

The term, Palaeopalynology, owes its derivation to the Greek verb Polynein-to spread, with the 

meaning the study of fossil pollen and spores. Spores and pollen grains are tiny bodies (30-200 µm in 

size) produced during the reproduction cycles of plants and possess a resistant wall, an attribute that helps 

these entities to be preserved in sediments. Almost uniformly distributed in air, spores and pollen settle 

down on the earth and ultimately reach the water bodies like pond, lake, river and seashore. In due course 

of time, these get preserved as fossils. 

The term palynology was suggested by Hyde and Williams (1944) to the study of dust. The 

science of Palynology deals with the spores and pollen and associated palyonodebris consisting of algal 

and fungal spores, diatoms, acritarchs, dinoflagellate cysts, Hystrichosphaerids, silicoflagellates, 

coccoliths, discoasters, radiolarian and chitinozoa. This branch of study assumed importance due to the 

exploratory activities for coal and oil as, these studies have proved to be immensely effective in handling 

various problems related with age determination of strata, correlation of marine and fresh-water deposits, 

determination of palaeoecology and palaeoenvironment, fine biostratigraphic zonation and indication of 

areas favourable for hydrocarbon generation. 

In this presentation, an attempt has been made to show how the Tertiary spore-pollen have 

been important in biostratigraphic and palaeoecological interpretations. 


23


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. NARESH CHANDRA MEHROTRA 

Director 


53, University Road, Lucknow 226 007 

E-mail: mehrotrabsip@rediffmail.com, director@bsip.res.in 

Dr Naresh Chandra Mehrotra, Ph.D. in Geology from Lucknow University took over as Director, Birbal 

Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany on 1st March 2005. 

He has over Forty years of professional experience in research related to Fossil Fuel Exploration and 

palaeoclimate. 

He has several awards and honours to his credit. While in Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC), 

he was honoured with several awards for his outstanding contributions to the development of 

Palynological work in hydrocarbon exploration. He has been awarded with prestigious Birbal Sahni 

Birth Centenary Award of Indian Science Congress Association conferred by Prime Minister of India 

(2007) for life time achievements in the development of Palaeobotany. Later in the same year he was 

awarded S.N. Bhalla Gold Medal by Palaeontological Society of India for outstanding life time 

contributions and then Geological Society of India's prestigious L. Rama Rao Birth Centenary Award 

for life time contributions in the field of Indian stratigraphy and Palaeontology. 

Dr Mehrotra has been associated with various academic and professional bodies. These include - 

President, Palaeobotanical Society, Lucknow; Member Council and Fellow, Geological Society of India, 

Bangalore; Member, Governing Body, Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun, Ministry of 

Science & Technology; Member, Governing Council, National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean Research, 

Goa, Ministry of Earth Sciences and Chairman, Local Advisory Council, Regional Science Centre, 

Lucknow, Ministry of Culture, Govt. of India. 

He has delivered several invited keynote addresses at National & International Conferences in India and 

abroad; Foundation Day lectures of CSIR Labs. and special invited talks in ONGC and several 

Universities. He is the Chief Editor of Palaeobotanist. 

Dr. Mehrotra has to his credit more than 60 research papers, published in National and International 

Journals and 3 Memoirs (48 and 61) of Geological Society of India & 2 volumes of Atlases on fossil 

dinoflagellate cysts published by ONGC as Special Publications. 


24


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

INTRODUCTION TO DINOFLAGELLATES: CYST MORPHOLOGY AND TERMINOLOGY 

N.C. MEHROTRA 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow 

E-mail: mehrotrabsip@rediffmail.com, director@bsip.res.in 

The dinoflagellates are in today's environments an extremely diverse group of protists. The only 

dinoflagellates of importance to paleopalynogists are those which have a complex life cycle with a thin 

walled, motile, characteristically flagellate stage usually called the theca or thecate stage, and a 

nonmotile, thick-walled encysted stage, the cyst. Sporopolleninous cysts of dinoflagellates are common 

from Triassic rocks to present, mostly in marine environments, but also in sediments deposited in fresh 

and brackish water. Thecae of dinoflagellates of the order Peridiniales are divided into several series of 

more or less polygonal units, the plates. The lines of separation between plates and sutures, and the sum 

of the characteristics of the plates (i.e., their number, size, arrangement into series, shape, mutual 

contacts) constitute the tabulation. Certain aspects of the tabulation (number of plates in each series) may 

be abbreviated in a tabulation formula (or plate formula) using the form and symbols suggested by 

Kofoid. An unit area on the cyst corresponding to a thecal plate is a paraplate. Paraplates are delineated 

by parasutures (i.e., linear features which correspond in position to thecal sutures), or by nonparasutural 

features (e.g., intratabular processes or process groups) that are positioned in areas corresponding to the 

more central parts of the thecal plates. The sum of the characteristics of the paraplates constitutes the 

paratabulation formula. A paratabulation formula gives the number of evident paraplates in each series, 

but it does not include information on the morphological expression or on the size and mutual 

relationships of the evident paraplates. 


25


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

HIGHT IMPACT PALYNOLOGY IN HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION IN 

COMMERCIALLY PRODUCING BASINS OF INDIA WITH RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS OF 

BSIP 

NARESH C. MEHROTRA 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow – 226007, India 

E-mail: mehrotrabsip@rediffmail.com 

With the fast growing hydrocarbon exploration activities in India, a good amount of subsurface 

palynofossil data is continuously being generated from the various prospective sedimentary basins. Most 

of the exploration work was carried out by Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd. (ONGC), India's National 

Oil Company. However, with the opening of exploration activities to private operators in the last decade, 

a lot of geoscientific information has been generated. Palynological studies related to hydrocarbon 

exploration have been mainly published by Mehrotra and associates in the last decade from ONGC and 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany (BSIP). 

A comprehensive account of stratigraphic palynology in the commercially producing basins of 

India – Cambay, Mumbai Offshore, Cauvery, Krishna-Godavari (K-G) and Assam- Arakan has been 

given by Mehrotra et al. (2002). This has been quickly followed by publication of additional information 

on palynological biostratigraphy, source rock evaluation, palaeoenvironment and sequence 

biostratigraphy, particularly from the Western Offshore and K-G basins. It includes Atlas of 

dinoflagellate cysts from Mesozoic (Mehrotra & Aswal, 2003) and Tertiary (Mehrotra & Singh, 2003) of 

Krishna-Godavari Basin and significant palynological information from several exploratory wells in 

Mumbai Offshore (Mehrotra et al., 2002b and Kapoor & Swamy, 2007). Another major publication 

dealing mainly with stratigraphic ranges of significant palynofossils was published (Mehrotra et al., 

2005). Recently Mehrotra et al. (2008) reviewed the available information on high resolution 

biochronostratigraphy of petroliferous basins based on dinoflagellate cysts and spore-pollen data. 

This presentation gives an updated account of palynostratigraphic, source rock evaluation and 

palaeoenvironmental information from several petroliferous basins, especially the Western Offshore and 

Krishna-Godavari (K-G), the two most prospective hydrocarbon bearing basins with special reference 

to application of Dinoflagellate Cysts in Hydrocarbon Exploration. Forty-three dinoflagellate 

biohorizons have been identified in the subsurface Tertiary sediments of Mumbai Offshore, facilitating a 

high resolution correlation of oil bearing horizons. Integrated palynostratigraphic data from the Mesozoic 

and Cenozoic has been compiled in a tabular form. Eighty-two dinoflgellate biohorizons have been 

identified and tied up with foraminiferal data. A very fine dinoflagellate based stratigraphic resolution has 

been achieved at most levels making it effective in geological modeling for hydrocarbon exploration 

research in both Western Offshore and Krishna-Godavari basins. In Cambay Basin, five dinoflagellate 

horizons have been identified with in Ypersian. In Cauvery Basin, dinoflagellate cysts have been found 

useful for precisely dating Cretaceous to Early Eocene sediments and are partly tied up with planktonic 

foraminifera. In Assam basin, seven biochronohorizons have been distinguished between Thanetian top to 

Priabonian. 

A recent research from BSIP showing first record of Type I matured, Liptinite organic matter 

facies from Late Neoproterozoic of Rajasthan is considered significant. This throws open an entirely new 

basin for hydrocarbon exploration from Neoproterozoic sediments in Rajasthan and other similar 

prospective basins in India. Another recent find of acritarchs and algae suggest a Cryogenian to Ediacaran 

age for the pre-Tertiary Sequence of Ganga Basin; this represents an extension of Marwar Super Group 

sediments. Organic matter maturation studies indicate possibility of hydrocarbons in Ganga Basin. This is 

a collaborative work of BSIP with ONGC. 

Limitations of present biostratigraphic studies and future areas of focus have been identified. 

The major petroliferous systems identified in Indian basins - Cambay, Western Offshore, K-G, 

Cauvery and Assam-Arakan have been briefly dealt with. Potential source rock facies have been 

identified and their distribution mapped in several promising areas for furthering exploration. 


26


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. NEERJA JHA 

Scientist - F 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 

53, University Road, Lucknow-226007 

E-mail: neerjajha@yahoo.co.uk 

Dr. N. Jha is a renowned Palynologist. She obtained M. Sc degree with first division in Botany, 1978 and 

passed Proficiency in German Language 1980 from Lucknow University. She joined BSIP in Sept 1979 

as Research Scholar, did her Ph. D. dissertation work and obtained Doctoral degree in Botany from 

Lucknow University in 1985. The area of research is on Palynology, Gondwana, Himalaya, 

Biostratigraphy, Palaeoclimate and Palaeophytogeography. She published more than 60 research papers 

in National and International journals, 13 popular articles/ reports and also supervised two BSRS students 

one completed and one pursuing Ph. D. She received Scientific Output Medal – 2008, conferred by BSIP 

and is Fellow of Geological Society of India, Palaeobotanical Society, Lucknow; Vice president and 

Founder Member, The Society of Earth Scientists, Lucknow. She visited: South Africa, Brazil and 

Thailand. 


27


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

AN INTRODUCTION TO GONDWANA PALYNOLOGY IN INDIA 

NEERJA JHA 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53 University Road, Lucknow-226007 

E-mail - neerjajha@yahoo.co.uk 

Gondwana - an ancient supercontinent, existed during Upper Carboniferous to Lower Cretaceous 

time, consists of South America, Africa including Malagasy, India including Sri Lanka, Australia and 

Antarctica. Palynology is the science that deals with the study of pollen and spores and other microfossils 

of organic origin. Pollen and spores are the reproductive units of plants. They are produced in enormous 

number and can withstand various physical and chemical factors due to the presence of a chemical known 

as sporopollenine in their exine (the outer cover), thus, retain their morphological characters. The study of 

fossil pollen and spores comes under the perview of Palaeopalynology. 

The role of palaeopalynology in dating and correlation of coal seams and associated sediments is 

well known and is widely persued all over the world. The pollen and spores in the rocks of different 

geological time are quite different in their morphological and numerical characters and thus, presence of 

particular type of pollen and spores or their group (= palynoassemblage ) characterize the particular 

horizon. Dating of coal and associated sediments is performed by the quantitative and qualitative study of 

these pollen and spores. By comparing the palynoflora of one area with the other, the rock strata are 

correlated. Different Gondwana Formations of India consist of different palynoassemblages. 

Talchir and Karharbari Formation is characterized by dominance of radial monosaccates viz. 

Parasaccites, Plicatipollenites, and trilete genus Callumispora. Barakar Formation shows dominance of 

nonstriate disaccates chiefly Scheuringipollenites. Barren Measures Formation shows dominance or 

abundance of striate disaccates chiefly Striatopodocarpites and Faunipollenites and enveloping 

monosaccate Densipollenites. Raniganj Formation is characterized by dominance of striate disaccates and 

appearance of some new forms viz. Lunatisporites, Falcisporites, Klausipollenites, Guttulapollenites, 

Densoisporites, Lundbladispora, Playfordiaspora which are stratigraphically significant. These striate 

disaccates which are the dominant component of palynoflora in Raniganj Formation show decline in 

percentage and gradually disappearance in Panchet Formation while taeniate pollen, cingulate, cavate 

spores consequently increase in percentage. Thus, pollen and spores in different formations of different 

geologic time are different in their frequency and morphological characters. 


28


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. RAJESH KUMAR SAXENA 

Chief Palynologist 

KDMIPE, ONGC, 9 Kaulagarh Road, 


E-mail: saxenarajk1@gmail.com 

Dr. Rajesh Kumar Saxena did his Master’s Degree and doctorate in Geology from University of 

Lucknow, Lucknow. He was Research fellow of Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, Dehradun 

and worked at Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow as Junior Scientific Assistant prior to 

joining ONGC. He is presently working at Keshava Deva Malaviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration 

(KDMIPE), Dehradun and engaged in monitoring multimicrofossil data synthesis and integrated 

biostratigraphic interpretations for refinement of geological modeling on various sedimentary basins of 

India for hydrocarbon exploration. He has joined KDMIPE, ONGC, Dehradun in the year 1985 and 

has worked in Regional Laboratories of Sivasagar, Assam and Panvel, Navi Mumbai on different 

capacities for over twenty seven years. He has worked for nannofossil biostratigraphy in Krishna- 

Godavari, Kutch, Saurashtra, Mumbai, Assam & Assam-Arakan basins. He has a vast experience in the 

studies of geological laboratories and applied the acquired knowledge for hydrocarbon exploration and 

exploitation. He has been taking lectures and coordinating visits of newly recruited ONGC graduate 

trainees and students / research scholars at KDMIPE to bread young explorationists in oil industry. 

He has completed specialised training in palynology under ONGC-UNDP programme in Australia. He 

has authored/co-authored and presented about 42 scientific papers in Indian and International 

conferences/journals. He is a Fellow of Geological Society of India (GSI), Bangalore and 

Paleontological Society of India (PSI), Lucknow, Life member of Association of Petroleum Geologists 

(APG) of India and Indian Geological Congress (IGC), Roorkee and member of International 

Nannoplankton Association (INA), UK/USA. 


29


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

CALCAREOUS NANNOFOSSILS AND ITS APPLICATION IN HYDROCARBON 

EXPLORATION 

RAJESH KUMAR SAXENA 

KDMIPE, ONGC, 9 Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun-248195 

E-mail: saxenarajk1@gmail.com 

The calcareous nannofossil studies have been proved to be one of the vital tool for 

interpretation on biostratigraphy, paleoecology and paleogeography world over. The application of 

nannofossil study is increased tremendously for hydrocarbon exploration in the last three decades in the 

Keshava Deva Malaviya Institute of Petroleum Exploration (KDMIPE), Dehradun, a premier institute 

of India’s national best E&P Company Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC). The 

nannofossil studies are aimed for refinement of geological modeling of different sedimentary basins in 

view of its precise dating of sediments of shallow/deep /ultra deep waters. This lecture is designed for 

the young students and researchers attending training programme on Palynology in Fossil Fuel 

Exploration at Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany ,Lucknow to present in depth knowledge on 

nannofossils and its application in oil industry. 

Nannofossils are calcareous skeletal tiniest fossils, range in size from 1 micron to 30 microns 

covered under a single class Prymnesiophyceae and subclass prymnesiophycidae of unicellular, 

autotropic, marine golden-brown algae. They include heterococcoliths, holococcoliths and nannoliths in 

the fossil state and collectively known as calcareous nannofossils. Their great abundance and 

evolutionary structural diversification in the marine sediments enabled biostratigrapher to subdivide 

marine strata into fine biostratigraphic zones. The light microscope is most convenient for rapid 

nannofossil examination using oil immersion objective at x1000 magnification and comparisons of 

many samples utilizing nannofossil assemblages. Scanning electron microscope is used for delineation 

of detailed morphological studies for tracing phylogeny of nannofossils.The rapid evolution and wide 

geographic distribution make them ideal biostratigraphic indicators worldwide for the Late Triassic 

through Recent marine sediments and used for intercontinental correlations, permitting a high 

resolution biostratigraphic framework for Mesozoic and Cenozoic sediments. The distribution of 

calcareous nannofossils is controlled by the nature of the surface water mass and paleoceanographic 

changes. Oceanic anoxic events are of special interest in the generation of hydrocarbon source beds. 

Sample preparation is simple and rapid as the samples do not need any treatment with acids etc. 

Extreme care should be exercised in collecting the samples for drilled cores/ SWC/cuttings as well as 

from surface outcrops. Being barely few mirons in dimensions a large number of specimens can be 

economically recovered from a pinch of sediments for study and can be exchanged for comparison 

purposes. The dating of the sediments are also carried out on offshore drilling platforms itself to 

support drilling and coring operations due to speedy retrieval technique of nannofossils. 

The calcareous nannofossil biostratigraphic studies are effective for fine time slicing of the 

sedimentary succession, their environment of deposition and sedimentation history in various 

sedimentary basins of India. The subdivision of the sedimentary sequences with the help of nannofossil 

bio-events are utilized to the precision of >1 Ma. Multimicrofossil study using nannofossils, 

dinoflagellate cysts, palynofossils, sedimentology, electrologs and integration with seismic for 

sequence stratigraphic analysis are carried out in Mumbai Offshore, Kerala Offshore, Kutch Offshore, 

Mahanadi, Krishna-Godavari, Cauvery and Andaman basins for refined petroleum system modelling 

and planning the future exploration strategies. 


30


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. RATAN KAR 

Scientist - C 




E-mail: ucp6@rediffmail.com 

Obtained Post graduate degree in Geology from Lucknow University. Qualified the CSIR-UGC NET JRF 

Exam. 

Awarded Ph.D. in Geology on his work entitled “Palynostratigraphy of Gondwana sediments from 

Tatapani-Ramkola Coalfield, Surguja District, Madhya Pradesh, India”. He was also warded the ‘Dr. 

Pratul Chandra Bhandari Gold Medal’ for this. 

Specialisation in Palynology: Has worked on a wide range of problems of varying ages and areas which 

involve the use of palynofossils for their resolution, such as Gondwana sediments (Permiam-Triassic), 

Deccan Intertrappean beds (Upper Cretaceous-Early Palaeocene) and Quaternary fluvio-glacial & 

lacustrine deposits of the Higher Himalayas and the Arctic Region. 

He has awarded a number of sponsored projects, viz.: 

� DST sponsored Young Scientist Fast-Track Project on the Deccen intertrappeans – 

“Palynological, Biopetrological and Dispersed Organic Matter (DOM) study of Deccan 

Intertrappean sediments with reference to Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) transition”. 

� DST sponsored pilot project on Glaciology – “Palynology and sediment-geochemistry of Hamtah 

(Lahaul-Spiti) and Chaurabari (Kedarnath) glacier deposits: an investigation of high-altitude 

climate variability during Holocene”. 

� DST sponsored project under Climate Change Programme – “Analysis of climatic changes from 

glacial sites in India based on multi proxy data”. 

� CSIR Pool Officer Project on Chaurabari Glacier, Kedarnath – “Palynological studies around 

Chaurabari Glacier (Kedarnath) with reference to climatic changes and glacial fluctuations 

during Holocene”. 

Under the Arctic Project entitled Multi-proxy geological studies in Svalbard area and surrounding 

Ocean: Implications to Quaternary Palaeoclimate and Pre-Quaternary Biostratigraph, he Visited Arctic 

three times and was Team Leader in 2011 (Summer Batch-III). 

He is also a Member, Terrestrial Working Group, International Arctic Science Committee. 

He has published 33 research papers in national and international Journals (19 in Impact Factor Journals). 


31


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

APPLICATION OF PALYNOLOGY IN COAL EXPLORATION: CASE 

STUDY FROM AN INDIAN GONDWANA COALFIELD 

RATAN KAR 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University Road, Lucknow 226 007 

E-mail: ratankar@yahoo.com 

Gondwana Basins of India occur along several well defined rectilinear belts marking zones of 

structural weaknesses. These basins are intracratonic in nature and characterised by the presence of faults 

on both sides, known as the boundary faults. These linear depressions became ideal sites for the 

deposition of sediments. A characteristic feature of sedimentation in these depressions was the 

concomitant sinking of the basin floor, which resulted in the deposition of thick piles of sedimentary 

sequences. From the economic point of view, the Gondwana Basins are extremely significant as 99% of 

India’s coal reserves are present within these basins. 

The initiation of sedimentation in Peninsular Gondwana Basins of India breaks a long gap of nondeposition 

in this region, since Cambrian to Late Carboniferous/Early Permian. The sedimentation was 

initiated by the deposition of glacigene sediments of Talchir Formation on an uneven Precambrian 

basement. After the recession of glaciers, a prolonged sequence of continental fluvio-lacustrine sediments 

was deposited. The first phase of fluvial sedimentation is represented by the Karharbari Formation, 

comprising poorly sorted coarse-grained sediments, the tectonic set-up being too unstable for the 

accumulation of coal seams. Thereafter, conditions became stable and thick piles of coarse to mediumgrained 

sandstone, siltstone, shale and coal-seams were deposited comprising the Barakar Formation 

(early Permian). The succeeding Barren Measures Formation are composed of coarse to medium-grained 

cross-bedded sandstone and iron-stone shales and are devoid of coals. Favourable conditions for coal 

formation reappeared again during the deposition of sediments of Raniganj Formation (late Permian). The 

post Raniganj sedimentation (Triassic) is characterised by the deposition of varied type of sediments in 

different Gondwana Basins, which are completely devoid of coal and comprise mainly of red shales and 

pebbly coarse to medium-grained sandstones. 

The commercially viable coal seams occur mostly within the Barakar Formation and the 

estimation of reserves is done by extensive mapping, followed by drilling operations. In this context, 

proper identification of the coal bearing horizons is extremely important for optimizing drilling operations 

and for the correct estimation of reserves. As lithological demarcation of the different formations is often 

difficult and deceptive, palynology has proved to be an effective tool for the resolution of coal bearing 

strata. Palynological assemblages have been of immense use in determining the age, lateral extension and 

correlation of the surface and sub-surface coal bearing horizons. 


32


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. UMESH CHANDRA PRADHAN 

Dy. General Manager (Geology), Head Bid Monitoring Group 

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd., Frontier Basin, Himalaya 

Building, IDT Premises, Kaulagarh Road 

Dehradun - 248195 


Dr. U. Pradhan obtained 1 st class with distinction in M. Sc. Tech. (Appl. Geology) from the 

Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad. He has 29 years of experience in the premier National Oil 

Company, ONGC and has worked in various sedimentary basins of India including Western 

Offshore Basin, Assam and Assam Arakan Fold Belt, Jaisalmer and Frontier Basins. His 

experience and professional strengths are in various fields like Wellsite Geological Operations, 

Regional G & G interpretation, Basin analysis, Development Geology, work over planning, 

heading G & G team in interpretation, heading Team for Geological Field Trip in Tethyan 

Himalayas, organizing international conferences, coordinating and supervising. He has published 

a number of geo-scientific papers and reports. He is Dy. General Manager (Geology), Head Bid 

Monitoring Group, ONGC, Frontier Basin at present. 


33


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

EXPLORING FRONTIERS 

U C PRADHAN 

DGM (G), Frontier Basin, ONGC, Dehradun 


Ever increasing global energy demand, mounting impediments in finding resources and escalating cost & 

technology intensive exploration for hydrocarbons along with fluctuating markets and geopolitical 

uncertainties are only few of the reasons responsible for widening gap between demand and supply of oil 

and gas. With not so sufficient support from alternative sources of energy, eyes are naturally turned to 

exploring frontier areas. The storehouse of a lion’s share of India’s prognosticated hydrocarbon resources 

Frontier basins are poorly explored; represent logistically difficult and diverse tectonic set-ups with high 

risk & uncertain reward. Frontier basins under active exploration are in Himalayan foothills, Ganga 

Basin, Vindhyan Basin. Other significant onland frontier areas are Satpura Basin, South Rewa Basin, 

Punjab Plains, Jammu-Punchh belt, Trans Himalayan corridor, and Purnea, Rajmahal, Damodar, Satpura, 

South Rewa, and Pranhita-Godavari and sub trappean basins. Offshore frontiers include Bengal Fan, 

Indus Fan, Deep and Ultradeep areas of the east and west coasts. Ascertaining the quality and quantity of 

source rocks, reservoirs and effective regional seal and other elements of petroleum system pose a key 

geotechnical challenge. Complex geological setup and presence of basalts on surface and igneous dykes 

and sills in subsurface introduce serious challenges in seismic data acquisition and imaging. Special 

recording spread and source-receiver pattern for improved signal-noise ratio, multi component surveys, 

and wide angle seismic data with frequent user-processor interaction during processing yield better 

seismic API results. Non-seismic methods including electro-logging provide adequate support for better 

understanding the basins. Basin centered gas, biogenic gas, Coal Bed Methane Underground Coal 

Gasification, gas hydrates, tight gas, shale gas, heavy oil, gas to liquid are unconventional energy 

resources. Synergistic conceptualization in national perspective and committed involvement of oil 

companies, scientific institutions and universities will be of vital significance in unlocking Frontier 

resources. 


34


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

DR. UTTAM KUMAR BHUI 

Associate Professor 

School of Petroleum Technology 

Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University 

Raisan, Gandhinagar, GUJARAT, PIN – 382 007 

E-mail: uttam.bhui@spt.pdpu.ac.in; ukbhui@rediffmail.com 

He obtained Masters Degree in Applied Geology and Ph.D. from Jadavpur University. Honoured with 

several awards, to name a few - Post Doctoral Research project under the scheme of SERCYS programme 

by the DST in 1999; Junior Research Fellowship and eligibility for Lecturer-ship by CSIR in 1993; 

Awarded for Junior Research Fellowship and eligibility for Lecturer-ship by UGC in 1992; University 

Medal for standing First in M. Sc. Examination in 1992; P. N. Bose Memorial Bronze Medal for standing 

First in M. Sc. Examination, 1992; 

Dr. Bhui is having expertise in Petrology. Dr. Bhui has both academic experience as well as industrial 

expertise. His expertise is in geological mapping and geochemical data (phase, bulk chemical and stable 

isotope) handling for magmatic rocks and associated economic mineral deposits particularly chromium, 

vanadium, nickel and platinum group of elements. 

Dr. Bhui has working experience in various activities related to petroleum exploration and exploitation in 

ONGCL. At present he is doing research in the area of geochemical characterization of hydrocarbon 

crudes and their application in exploration and exploitation activities to meet the futuristic need of 

upstream petroleum sector. 


35


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HYDROCARBON CRUDES: ITS APPLICATION 

IN EXPLORATION 

UTTAM KUMAR BHUI 

School of Petroleum Technology, Pandit Deendayal Petroleum University, Raisan, Gandhinagar, 

E-mail: uttam.bhui@spt.pdpu.ac.in ; ukbhui@rediffmail.com 

We have good understanding of what oil and gas are made up of and how they occur but the 

precise processes and timing of oil generation, migration processes and pathways, their entrapment and 

accumulations for commercial deposits, all are important pre-requisite for understanding the sequential 

evolution of all the viable petroleum system of a basin. Thus we know how to find oil and gas but the 

precise details of petroleum generation, migration and their trapping mechanism are still debatable even for 

most of the producing basins and reservoirs. 

The Organic Matter (OM or kerogen) in the sediments transform or cook step by step during burial 

with increase in temperature of which petroleum is by-product and some stay back in the source 

sedimentary rock as residual organic matter. Residual kerogen content in source rocks is insignificant 

(between fraction of 1% to few %) but its significance is much much greater than its content because it 

enables one to provide clues and to solve geochemical problems related to oil and gas genesis, oil-source 

rock correlation, migration pathways and many more. Crude oil, which is a byproduct of kerogen cooking, 

is a multicomponent mixture of hydrocarbons (saturated hydrocarbons: alkanes, cycloalkanes; aromatics: 

mono, di and polyaromatics) and non-hydrocarbon compounds (resins, asphaltenes, metal-porphyrin 

complexes and trace elements) and depends on the organic matter type i.e kerogen type(type I, II, III), 

which is based on the elemental carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in the kerogen. Our knowledge about the 

geochemical significance of the molecular composition of hydrocarbon fluids and rock extracts has been 

growing exponentially and recent advances in geochemistry, especially in analytical techniques, have 

resulted in rapid progress on this front. 

Shales, generally considered as the source rocks of many crude oils, are highly enriched in trace 

elements, PGE and Re, Os radioisotopes. Trace element abundances in crude oil, particularly Ni, Fe, V, Mo 

are often present at ppm level and many researchers have identified their existence as part of porphyrin 

structure. But no study had been undertaken yet towards the understanding of element fractionation during 

oil generation. Sufficient amount of these radioisotopes are present in hydrocarbon to use the 187 Re- 187 Os 

radioisotope systematic for constraining the source as well as the timing of separation from the source of 

the migrated oil. 

The knowledge regarding the geochemical fingerprinting and their significance of the molecular 

composition of the crude oils and rock-extracts has been growing considerably during the last two decades. 

Some compounds in oil lost structural features of parent organic matter, whereas some other molecules 

preserved these features. They are called “chemical fossils”, “molecular fossils” or “bio-markers”. The 

basic architecture of the biomarkers allows them to be undoubtedly related to parent compounds of the 

biosphere. Among the numerous molecular structures present in oils, rock extracts, biological markers from 

alkane and aromatic fractions have been playing a leading role in the present day analytical techniques and 

accordingly, a significant part of complementary data is ignored or unavailable. The most significant points 

to keep in mind are to consider the whole molecular fingerprint and to better assess the total biomarker 

potential in the field of hydrocarbon exploration. Biomarkers have a variety of applications in petroleum 

exploration: Source rock typing, oil-to oil and oil-to-source rock correlation, paleoenvironment of source 

rock deposition, maturities of oil and source rocks. 


36

THE TRAINEES 

• [ Profiles ] 

3

• 

4


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name ANJANA VYAS 

E-mail Address anjanavyas9@gmail.com 

Phone/Mobile No. 09893009670 

DOB 31/08/1986 

Mailing Address Vyas Villa, Sanjeet Naka Road Near Petrol Pump, 

Jain Colony Mandsour-458 001, MP 

Name of Organisation School of Studies in Geology Vikram University, 

Ujjain 

Academic Qualifications 

M.Sc. in Geology, Vikram University, Ujjain, 2008 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Geology, Vikram University, Ujjain 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Petrological evaluation of coals from parts of Bishrampur Coalfield Son 

Valley, Chhattisgarh. 

Areas of research interests: 

Worked as Geologist in Gujarat Mineral Research and Development Society, Gandhinagar with distinction 

of being appreciated for preparing geological map of limestone bearing (Tertiary Formation & fossiliferous) area 

in Kutch district. Participated in geological, geochemical and geophysical field studies and analytical testing 

programs. Lignite exploration programme is done in Lakhpat and Abdasa Taluka of Kutch district. Currently 

working on petrological, palynological and geochemical aspects of the Lower Gondwana coals from Lakhanpur 

Coalfield. 

Name AARTI SONI 

E-mail Address charmgeology@gmail.com 


DOB 20/06/1989 

Mailing Address CCS (RQA), CIMFR (Digwadih Campus) P.O.- 

FRI Dhanbad-828 108 

Name of Organisation Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, 

Dhanbad 


M.Sc. in Geology, Vikram University, Ujjain, 2010 [First Div] 

M.Phil. in Geology, Vikram University, Ujjain, 2011 [First Div] 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Petrographical controls of coals and their blends for coke making 


Worked on geology and geochemistry of the Balgi underground coal mine of Korba Coalfield, 

Chhattisgarh and currently working as a Project Assistant (Level-II) at CIMFR (CSIR), Dhanbad. The research 

interest is in coal exploration, coal petrography, and mining geology. 


37


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name BABEESH. C 

Email Address bbshivakripa@gmail.com 


DOB 09/11/1989 

Mailing Address Research Scholar, Dept. of Geology, Anna 

University,Chennai-600025 

Name of Organization Anna University 


M.Sc. in Applied Geology, Anna University, 2012 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Geology, Anna University 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Holocene monsoon variability inferred from paleo lake sediments, 

Ladakh Himalayas. 


The study of ancient lake deposits has been helped immeasurably by limnologists, sedimentologists, and 

geochemists, by making observations on active lakes, Pleistocene lakes and their Holocene residues. 

Paleoclimatic information may be contained in the nature of the basin itself as well as in the material that filled it. 

Every lake deposit is testimony to at least two important environmental changes, one initiating lacustrine 

deposition and the other terminating it. Climatic factors may be involved in either or both events. For instance, 

glacial lakes often form during a warming trend, and they can be recognized from the shape of the basins and the 

fact that many are dammed by moraines. Tectonic events unrelated to overall climatic change may lead to 

steepened hydraulic gradients and increased precipitation in the watershed and hence earlier filling of the basin. 

Filling and choking with sediment probably is the most common death of lakes, but lakes can also dry up. In that 

case, a clear record is usually left in the sediment in the form of an evaporitic terminal stage or by a lake level 

marker. 

Name BANDANA DIMRI 

E-mail Address bandanadimri@gmail.com 


DOB 04/07/1988 

Mailing Address Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany 

53 University Road, Lucknow-226007 

Name of Organisation Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 


M.Sc. in Geology, H.N B Garhwal University Srinagar, 2010 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. BSIP, Lucknow 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Genesis of Mesoproterozoic chert facies of the Salkhan Limestone, Son 

Valley, Vindhyan Supergroup: microbial assemblage and Biostratigraphic implications. 


The research area of interest is the sedimentological and micropaleontological studies backed by a sound 

knowledge of the various geological processes in relation to the petroleum / fuel industry. Owing to my research 

understanding worked on dissertation thesis on the Quaternary deposits during post-graduation studies. An 

abstract has published earlier in 2011 entitled “Understanding of the Geological Evolution of Surat Depression 

and Development of Hydrocarbon Pools in Contigeous Area”. Presently, engaged in the palaeobiological 

investigations and sedimentological studies with special reference to genesis of siliceous chert in the Semri Group 

of rocks in the Son Valley area. 


38


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name BODHISATWA HAZRA 

E-mail Address bodhisatwa.hazra@gmail.com 

bodhis001@gmail.com 

Phone/Mobile No. 09832220796, 09932113129 

DOB 21/08/1986 

Mailing Address C/o Prof. A.K. Varma Department of Applied 

Geology ISM, Dhanbad-826 004 

Name of Organisation Indian School of Mines, Dhanbad 


M.Sc. in Geology, University of Burdwan, 2010 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Geology, I.S.M., Dhanbad 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Petrographic aspects of hydrocarbon generation. 


Worked as a Graduate Engineer Trainee (Geologist) in Jindal South West, Bengal Steel Limited with 

experience in logging, sampling, preparation of floor contours, isopac map, preparing advices and many other 

operations. Currently, working as JRF in the Department of Applied Geology, ISM, Dhanbad; Also interested in 

working on the sedimentology and petrographic aspects in hydrocarbon generation. 

Name C. LALCHHANHIMA 

Email Address elnino4699@gmail.com 


DOB 12.07.1989 

Mailing Address C. Lalchhanhima, Research Scholar, Dept. of 

Geology, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796 004, 

Mizoram. 

Name of Organisation Dept. of Geology, 

Mizoram University, Aizawl 


M.Sc. in Geology, Mizoram University, 2011 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Geology, Mizoram University 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Palaeontological Study of Bhuban Formation (Surma Group) in Aizawl, 

Mizoram. 


The research interest includes micropaleontology of Bhuban succession (Lower-Middle Miocene) of 

Mizoram. Plans include exploring foraminifers and palynofossils of this succession exposed in Mizoram. Megainvertebrate 

and vertebrate (mainly fishes) palaeontology have previously been studied from these successions. 

High resolution stratigraphy is limited due to long-age range of these fossils. Forams and palynofossils can be 

used as a proxy for working out high resolution stratigraphy and deciphering depositional environment. 


39


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name : CHANDAN JAISWAL 

Email Address : jaiswal.chandan@gmail.com 

Phone/Mobile No. : 09435718323 

DOB : 18/01/1985 

Mailing Address : 20/72, Bhelupura, Varanasi-221 010, U.P. 

Name of Organisation : Oil and Natural Gas Corporation 

Academic Qualifications : 

M.Sc. in Applied Geology, IIT Roorkee, 2007 [First Div] 


The main interest is to carry out Biostratigraphy, sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, seismic 

interpretation, electro logging, reservoir modeling, etc. and work as Biostratigrapher with Shell technology, India, 

Bangalore. Presently, Working as geologist in A & AA Basin, ONGC, Jorhat, Assam. 

Name DARAMSOTHU SEETHARAM 

E-mail Address dsdssiddhu8@gmail.com 

Phone/Mobile No. 8009908772; 9908550822 

DOB 15-07-1987 


53-University Road, Lucknow 226 007 

Name of Organisation Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany 


M.Sc. in Botany (Applied Palynology & Palaeophytology), Osmania University, Hyderabad 

[First Div, Distinction] 

Pursuing Ph.D., BSIP, Lucknow 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: High resolution biostratigraphy and depositional environment of Tertiary 

lignites and associated sediments of Kutch Basin, Gujarat, India. 


My research interest is to carry out palynological investigation in Tertiary lignites and associated 

sediments exposed at Matanomadh (Matanomadh Lignite), Cambay Shale (Vastan Lignite Mine), Rajapardi 

Lignite and other newly excavated sections in Kutch Basin of Gujarat, India because of palynological studies on 

tertiary sediments of Kutch Basin by different workers have been focused at documenting palynofossils and their 

applications in palaeoenvironmental interpretations only. The explored data on spore-pollen morphotaxonomy 

will be most significant for the interpretation in high resolution biostratigraphy and depositional environment of 

the area and a part for his Ph. D. dissertation. 


40


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name HARINAM JOSHI 

E-mail Address harinamjoshi@yahoo.com 


DOB 05-04-1985 

Mailing Address A-1137 New Colony H.A.L. Township Lucknow 

226016 


Academic Qualifications : 

M.Sc. in Botany, CSJMU, Kanpur, 2007 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Botany, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Palynology of Gondwana sediments in Chintalapudi sub basin and its 

palaeoenvironmental implication. 


Iinterested in carrying research on palynology along with geology of Chintalapudi sub basin, one of the 

Gondwana sub-basins of Godavari Graben, Andhra Pradesh, India. The prospects of my studies are conducting 

researches in palynostratigraphy, fossil fuel exploration and deciphering environment of deposition including intra 

and interbasinal correlation. Palynology is an important tool for dating in absence of datable mineral to resolve 

discrepancies on age and correlation with equivalent sediments in other parts of the world. 

Name HEMLET GOGOI 

Email Address Hemlet123gogoi@gmail.com 


DOB 19/09/1987 

Mailing Address Dept of Applied geology Dibrugarh University 

Name of Organisation Dibrugarh University 


M.Sc. in Applied Geology, Dibrugarh University, Assam, 2011 [First Div] 


Research interest is biostratigraphy palynostratigraphy and palaeo environment of Lower Eocene 

Umlatodoh Limestone Member in Lumshnong area of Jaintia Hill, South Shilong, Meghalaya, NE India. This 

includes foraminifera, algae and palynological investigation with petrographical study geochemical analysis and 

also complementing with stable isotope study. Microfacies study is also an important part of the research. The 

present training will also be helpful and fruitful in understanding the application during synthesis of the acquired 

data. 


41


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name J.DEVARAJU 

E-mail Address devaraju@ddn.upes.ac.in 

Phone/Mobile No. +91-9634469282 

DOB 15-07-1968 

Mailing Address C/o J.P.Rana, #24, Phase-II, Upsana Enclave, Panditwari, 


Name of Organisation University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehra Dun 


M.Sc. in Geology, Mysore University, 1991 [First Div] 

Post-M.Sc. Dip in Hydrogeology, Mysore University, 1992 [First Div] 

Ph.D in Geology, Mysore University, 1997 

Post-Doctoral Fellow in Geology, Roorkee University, 1999-2004 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Petrology, Fluid inclusion studies and geochemistry of high grades rocks 

from Virajpet, South India. 

Awarded Young Scientist project fellowship from DST 2004. 


• 

• Petrology, Geochemistry 

• Fluid Inclusion studies 

• Petroleum geology 

• Shale gas Geology 

Name J. VIGNESH 

Email Address geovignesh21@gmail.com 

Phone/Mobile No. +91 -9677304712 

DOB 21-07-1990 

Mailing Address C/o K.Nagammal, 

89/19-1 Thirugnanam Nagar No:6, 

Dadagapatty, 

Salem -636 006, Tamilnadu. 

Name of Organisation Periyar University 

Academic Qualifications M.sc. Applied Geology 

M.Sc. in Geology, Periyar University [First Div] 


Research interests include bringing out multidisciplinary data like sedimentology, geochemistry, 

petrology, mineralogy (micro-major elements ) including isotopic data like radiogenic (Sr, Nd), radioactive 

(radiocarbon, U,Th,Pb) and Stable(O,C,S) from the Ariyalur Cretaceous sediments of Cauveri Basin, south India 

to investigating provenance, environment of deposition, post-depositional changes, and weather index on the 

local, regional and global level. In future, chemostratigraphy is a powerful tool for resolving stratigraphic 

uncertain, analysis and prediction of reservoir characterisation of oil & gas provinces. 


42


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name KEERTHI. B. NAIR 

Email Address keerthy.b1@gmail.com 


DOB 28/04/85 

Mailing Address Dept. of Geology, Anna university,Chennai-25 

Name of Organisation Anna university,Chennai-25 


M.Sc. in Geology, University of Kerala, 2007 [First Div] 


Title of Ph.D. Thesis: SW monsoon variations and Late Quaternary paleoenvironments of the 

Paruppakkara Kayal and Ashtamudi lake, Kerala. 


The research interest is to study palaeoclimatic impact on Quaternary sedimentation with their 

metamorphosis (interaction among the sediments); properties of bio-remains against their decomposition in 

geological time timescale including energy levels (of tides) of the ocean atmosphere, land surface system covering 

rates and natural climatic variability based on the mineralogy, petrology of rocks and grain sized. Additionally, I 

would like to deal with past climate to predict the future climate by using the past and present climate records 

from the lakes and catchment of rivers. 

Name MAHESH. S 

Email Address docmax@rediffmail.com 


DOB 28-11-1977 

Mailing Address 498-171/2, ‘SERV SNEH KUNJ’, 

opp. Samthar Petrol Pump, 8 Faizabad Road, Lucknow – 

226007 



M.Sc. in Geology, Mysore University, 2002 [First Div] 

Ph.D. in Permian Palynology, Mysore University, 2007 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Palynological Studies of Wardha Valley Coalfields, Maharashtra State, 

India. 


• Coal petrography 

• Palaeozoic Palynology 

• Palynofacies studies 


43


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name MRIDUL GUPTA 

E-mail Address mridulkhushi@gmail.com 


DOB 08/10/1989 

Mailing Address G-225 South city Post Ambedkar University lucknow- 

226025 

Name of Organisation Birbal Sahni Institute Of Palaeobotany. 


M.Sc. in Geology, University of Lucknow, 2011 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D., Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, Lucknow 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: “Middle Jurassic Nannofossil Biostratigraphy From Jara Dome, Kachchh, 

Western India and its Palaeobiogeographic implications”. 


Implication of nannofossil in biostratigraphy and its role in palaeogeographical as well as in 

sedimentological interpretation. Beside it, I hold interest in the research related to climatic changes . 

Name NEHA AGGARWAL 

E-mail Address neha_264840@yahoo.co.in 


DOB 25/08/1981 


53-University Road, Lucknow-226007 



M.Sc. in Botany, Kurukshetra University, 2004 [First Div] 

M.Phil. in Plant Tissue Culture, Kurukshetra University, 2007 [First Div] 

Ph.D. in Gondwana Palynology, Lucknow University, 2011 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Palynostratigraphy, Correlation and Palaeoenvironment of Gondwana 

Sediments in Godavari Graben, Andhra Pradesh. 


Working in Gondwana Palynology of Godavari Graben from the two coal seems viz. lower coal 

horizon called Barakar Formation and Upper Coal horizon called Raniganj Fm. The pollen and spore 

morphologies and their density of both coal seams are very distinct. On the basis of these palynomorphs the 

palynostratigraphy of any area can be interpreted and used as tool for dating of the coal, especially in the 

faulted areas where dating and correlation of coal seams is difficult due to the persistence of many small 

faults as in Godavari Graben. Palynology, a branch of science has become an imperative parameter in 

prospecting and economic utilization of fossil fuel (coal) as to determining nature and genetic age of coal and 

in solving the problem of stratigraphy and correlation. It provides exploration of a known seam in an 

unknown area across a fault. 


44


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name PANKAJ KUMAR SRIVASTAVA 

E-mail Address pankajkgp@yahoo.com 


DOB July 06, 1972 

Mailing Address Dept. of Petroleum Engineering & Earth Sciences, Univ. of 

Petroleum& Energy Studies, Dehradun 

Name of Organisation University of Petroleum & Energy Studies, Dehradun 


M.Sc. in Geology, University of Allahabad, 1994 [First Div] 

M.Tech. in Applied Geology, IIT Kharagpur, 1997 [First Div] 

Ph.D. in Geology, IIT Kharagpur, 2007 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: An integrated Remote sensing, GIS and Geophysical Techniques in 

Hydrogeological modelling of hard rock terrain 


Micropaleontology, Hydrogeology & Thermal Remote sensing 

Name POONAM KUMARI 

Email Address Kumaripoonam2202@gmail.com 


DOB 22.02.1990 

Mailing Address Poonam Kumari CCS (RQA), CIMFR (DC) P.O. 

828108 Dhanbad Jharkhand 

Name of Organisation CSIR-Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research, 

Dhanbad(JH) 


M.Sc. in Geology, Vinoba Bhave University Hazaribagh, 2011 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D., I.S.M. Dhanbad 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Petrographic conditions of Indian coals for combustion and gasification. 


The total demand for electricity in the country continues to rise and is outpacing increases in capacity. 

The gas can be produced by heating coal in absence of air to provide a solid residue and gas. The gas can be used 

as a fuel and feedstock for further chemical processing. It has become essential to undertake remarkable 

petrographic study on coals from the various coal basins both Gondwana and Tertiary of India and their blends 

suitable for thermal plants and gasification. With such information geological and petrographic investigations of 

various Indian coal samples for the combustion and gasification is proposed to evaluate quality of coal cores. 


45


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name PRIYANKA MONGA 

E-mail Address priyankamongapu@gmail.com 


DOB 18-12-1986 


53, Univ. Road, Lucknow-226 007 



M.Sc. in Botany, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 2009 [First Div] 

B.Ed., Panjab University, Chandigarh, 2009 [First Div] 

M.Phil. in Ecophysiology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, 2011-12 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Botany, BSIP, Lucknow 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Palynostratigraphy, Palynofacies and depositional environment of late 

Palaeocene, Early Eocene sediments of Cambay Basin, Gujrat. 


Working on Palynostratigraphical and Palynofacies analysis of Early Tertiary lignite bearing sequences 

of Bharuch and Bhavnagar districts, Saurastra Basin of Gujarat. The spores, pollen grains, dinoflagellates, 

microforaminiferal linings, fungal fruiting bodies and other palynomorphs preserved in these sequences will be 

used to delineate biostratigraphy and palaeoenvironment of this fossil bearing sequences. Their quantitative 

evaluation, palynozone identification, transition of different palynofloral and palynofacies groups in vertical 

horizons will define incursion of marine and fresh water sediments during the deposition of sediments. The 

visualization of palynofacies constituents in simple light and fluorescence microscopes will provide better 

palaeoenviromental interpretations of various lithotypes. 

Name R. VIJAYARAJ 

Email Address vijayuniverse@gmail.com 


DOB 10/05/1982 

Mailing Address Department of Geology 

Name of Organisation Anna University 


M.Sc. in Applied Geology, University of Madras, 2006 [First Div] 


Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Quaternary Geomorphology and Palaeoclimate changes of Two Lakes 

(Berijam and Kookal Lake), Tamil Nadu. 


� Quaternary geology 

� Paleoclimatalogy 

� Geochemistry 

� Sedimentalogy 

� Remote sensing and Geographical Information System. 

� Natural Resource management 


46


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name RESHMI CHATTERJEE 

E-mail Address chatterjeeresidence@gmail.com 


DOB 04/25/1988 


53 University Road, Lucknow-226 007 



M.Sc. in Botany, Calcutta University, 2011 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D., BSIP, Lucknow 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Floral diversity, biostratigraphy and palaeoecology of the Triassic 

sequence from the South Rewa and Satpura Gondwana basins 


Keenly interested in the subject of Palaeobotany and Palynology. Broad research interests hovers on 

Morpho-taxonomy, Evolution, Biostratigraphy and Palaeoecology of terrestrial plant communities. At present a 

Birbal Sahni Research Scholar (BSRS) and initiated my studies on the Early Triassic vegetational scenario of 

Peninsular India from the South Rewa and Satpura Gondwana Basins. The study is focused on unraveling the 

Floral diversity, Evolution, Biostratigraphy and Palaeoecology based on the studies of plant megafossils, 

megaspores and miospores. The Triassic Period is one of the least explored sequences but in terms of evolution 

the Triassic Period is significant because during the Permian Triassic transition the greatest mass extinction event 

occurred in the history of planet earth. After the Permian Period floral and faunal radiation were witnessed and 

some of the floral and faunal elements continued throughout the Mesozoic. 

Name S. MOHAN 

Email Address Mohanapril5@gmail.com 

Phone/Mobile No. +91 -9790619523 

DOB 05-04-1990 

Mailing Address 54/3 Pandiya rajan street, 

Varma complex, 

Salem -636 001, Tamilnadu. 

Name of Organisation Periyar University 


M.Sc. in Geology, Periyar University [First Div] 


Particularly interested in the chemostratigrapgy, sedimentology, petroleum geology and Palynoassemblage 

from the Danian Marl sediments of Ariyalur area of the Tiruchirapalli, south India with their 

significance for local, regional and global level correlations. The above parameters are most valuable for the 

prediction of hydrocarbon reservoirs both in oil and gas. 


47


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name DR SANTOSH KUMAR PANDEY 

E-mail Address sangeology@yahoo.co.in 

Phone/Mobile No. +91 9450394201 

DOB 24.08.1981 

Mailing Address 3/39, Vivek Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow- 226 010 



M.Sc. in Geology, Lucknow University, 2004 [First Div] 

Ph.D. in Geology, Lucknow University, 2011 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Biozonation and Correlation of Neoproterozoic Bhander Group, Central 

India. 


Primary area of research is the Ediacaran to Cambrian transition and the emergence of the early life. In 

particular, working on palaeobiological and biostratigraphical problems on the two Proterozoic sedimentary 

basins of India; the Vindhyan and Marwar. Some key interest are: Ediacaran Life; Microbially Induced 

Sedimentary Structure (MISS); Trace Fossil Analysis; Biostratigraphy; Inter and Intrabasinal Correlation 

Name SHREYA MISHRA 

E-mail Address shreyamishra1005@gmail.com 


DOB 10/07/1989 

Mailing Address H.No. 610/329 Keshave Nagar, Sitapur Road, 

Lucknow. 



M.Sc. in Botany, Lucknow University, 2011 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Botany, BSIP, Lucknow 

Title of Ph.D. thesis: Spore pollen biostratigraphy, Palaeoecology and environment of 

deposition of subsurface Early Palaeogene sequences from Barmer, Rajasthan. 


The research interest is Tertiary Palynology, mainly concerned with the study of pollen and spores from 

the subsurface Early Palaeogene sequences exposed in Barmer, Rajasthan. Pollen and spores are critical parts of 

the life cycles of higher and lower plants respectively. Pollen and spores rather than other parts of plant remains 

are best preserved in sediments and sedimentary rocks due to having resistant wall. Therefore, their presence and 

abundance in sediments can be used as a proxy indicator for composition of plant communities growing at and 

around a province. Palynological studies are also helpful in fossil fuel exploration, biostratigraphy, 

palaeoecological studies and in predicting the environment of deposition. 


48


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name SUSHEEL KUMAR 

Email Address Skumarpetro09@gmail.com 


DOB 15/03/1989 

Mailing Address Room No.-102, Dr. C.P.R.Aiyer Hostel , B.H.U. 

Varanasi-221005 

Name of Organisation Banaras Hindu University 


M.Sc. in Petroleum Geosciences, B.H.U., Varanasi, 2011 [First Div] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Palaeontology (Geology), B.H.U., Varanasi 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis : Palaeoecology and Taphonomy of Late Cretaceous Bivalves of Bagh 

Beds, Central India 


Keen interest in tectonics and sedimentation and the sedimentary processes that lead to the generation of 

hydrocarbons (making emphasis over facies and sedimentary environments analyses). Basically wish to work on 

Tertiary exposures in India having special reference to Hydrocarbon bearing horizons in different regions of the 

country including Tertiary rocks of Kutch (Onland and Offshore both), Tertiary Exposures of Cambay Basin, 

Tertiary rocks of Assam and Siwalik System in the Northern most part of the country. Besides, I also have my 

interest in unconventional petroleum systems including Underground Coal Gasification, Coal Bed Methane, Shale 

Gas, Oil Shales, Gas Hydrate etc. 

Name VIKRAM PARTAP SINGH 

Email Address Vikramchauhan09@rediffmail.com 


DOB 17/11/1984 

Mailing Address Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany, 53, University 

Road, Lucknow - 226007 



M.Sc. in Applied Geology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, 2011 [First Div] 

Ph.D., BSIP Lucknow 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Petrology and Geochemical characterization of lignite deposits 

of Saurashtra basin (Gujarat), India. Implication of economic 

potential and depositional history. 


Keen interest in doing research in Organic Petrology. Organic petrology is a potential method to obtain 

information on nature, composition, origin, maturation and mineral matter content of organic deposits for their 

assessment for various applications. Rank estimation and analyses of Maceral in organic deposits using 

reflectance light technique are the main parameters of petrology. 


49


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Name VINEET KUMAR SRIVASTAVA 

Email Address vsrivastava152@gmail.com 


DOB 20/10/1990 

Mailing Address 3/FF Kabir Colony, Front of Law College Canteen, 

B.H.U. Campus, Varanasi – 221005 

Name of Organisation Banaras Hindu University 

Academic Qualifications Petroleum Geoscience 

M.Sc. in Petroleum Geosciences, B.H.U., Varanasi, 2011 [First Div, Distinction] 

Pursuing Ph.D. in Geology, B.H.U., Varanasi. 

Title of Ph.D. Thesis: Integrated Sedimentological, Sequencial and Chemostratigraphy 

modeling of the Tertiary rocks of Kutch, Gujrat. 


Keen interested in tectonics, sedimentation and the sedimentary processes that lead to the generation of 

hydrocarbons (making emphasis over facies and sedimentary environments analyses). Basically, wish to work on 

Tertiary exposures in India having special reference to Hydrocarbon bearing horizons in different regions of the 

country including Tertiary rocks of Kutch (Onland and Offshore both), Tertiary Exposures of Cambay Basin, 

Tertiary rocks of Assam and Siwalik System in the Northern most part of the country. Besides, I also have my 

interest in unconventional petroleum systems including Underground Coal Gasification, Coal Bed Methane, Shale 

Gas, Oil Shales, Gas Hydrate etc. 


50

ABOUT LUCKNOW 

Luck Now, that you are in Lucknow 

5


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Luck now, that you are in Lucknow 

Lucknow has, for long, held a reputation of being a city of culture and etiquette. A hub of 

Awadhi culture, Lucknow is also known for its colorful and really generous Nawabs, stories 

about whom range from hilarious and cynical to those of astonishing generosity! But postindependence, 

Lucknow has also blossomed into a science city. 

The Nawab dynasty started in 1722 with Burhan-ul-Malik. Lucknow derives its present name from 

its old name Lakshmanpur. During the Moughal period, Lucknow flourished as a center of arts. The 

kings of fine taste promoted art, dance and crafts to the best possible extent. Some of the paintings 

done during that period are still preserved in the Hussainabad Art Gallery on the bank of river 

Gomti. Lucknow is known as the place of origin and even now as the most reputed school of the 

exquisite dance form Kathak- a form that prospered in the courts of the Nawabs. The embroidery 

work, done manually, called chikan, is also known the world over. Mouth-watering delicacies are 

another attraction to the visitors. 

Lucknow still boasts of the ruins of old grand Residency with all its shell-marks. The Residency 

fell to the Britishers after a fierce battle and the Nawab was ultimately captured in 1856. He could 

not escape to safety; there was no servant who'd help him put on his shoes, or so the story goes. 

This could be truth or a figment of imagination but what is recorded is that the same Nawab had 

also got a women's army ready to fight the Britishers! The memorial in the memory of historical 

Kakori case (1925) is there on Hardoi road and so are the old guns in the premises of Residency 

and La Martinier Boys College. The Less Lucky was the Tare Wali Kothi, an astronomical 

observatory that lost all its equipments to the turmoil in 1857. It now houses the State Bank of 

India. Some of the lost glory of Lucknow may be seen preserved in its museum adjacent to the zoo, 

while places like Charbagh have nothing left with semblance of any garden. The huge parks like 

Ambedkar Park, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Park and Lohia park have indeed added to the Charm of the 

city. Many road-crossings are marked by statues of historical and literary figures-some well known 

and some not so well known. 

51


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Time has taken its toll and things have changed, for sure, to some extent. The once famous sweet 

Awadhi, immortalized by Goswami Tulsi Das, is gradually giving way to what may be best 

termed Hinglish- an effect of the dominating outsiders influx, natural to a capital. The Old-timers 

bemoan the loss of the old relaxed life style. Few can relate to the 'Do Baanke' of Bhagvati 

Charan Verma now, or to the 'Shatranj ke Khilari’ to whom loss of the king on their chessboard 

meant much more than the fall of king in the real life ! Things have changed indeed. You don't 

commonly see anymore those one-horse-carriages, ekkahs, on roads though there are some still 

around in the old city. If you go to see the architectural wonder Imambara, which houses the famous 

Bhool-Bhullaiah and a huge pillar-less hall, you are very likely to encounter some ekkah-walah 

ready to take you around. The city is dotted with numerous shopping arcades, including several 

multiplexes, all over the city. But you could still see those weekly haats in many places in the old 

as well as the new city. In addition to a Museum, and a Zoo, Lucknow has a crocodile-breeding 

farm (Kukrail), a planetarium, a Regional Science City and also several sport stadiums, one of 

which is named after the famous Olympian Hockey captain KD Singh Babu and another one after 

Guru Govind Singh. There are several auditoriums, including the Scientific Convention Center, 

Sangit Natak Akademi, Lalit Kala Kendra and Lal Baradari that keep the cultural and intellectual 

pulse beating. 

But the post-independence change is most visible in the form of range and number of the 

scientific institutions built up over the past 60 years and of educational centers which have carved 

niche for themselves internationally. Lucknow boasts of 90 year old Lucknow University, Gautam 

Buddha Technical University, BR Ambedakar University (Central) and nearly a century old KG 

Medical University (now known as CSMMU). In addition, there are 2 deemed universities 

including one for Music, named after the legendary musicologist Bhatkhande. Add to these 

the Yunani and Ayurvedic Colleges and a number of private technical (engineering, medical, 

catering and management), universities and colleges, and lucknow emerges as an education center 

of great repute even before we mention the prestigious IIM-Lucknow. 

Lucknow truly takes the cake when it comes to counting the purely R & D institutions. In 

addition to BSIP (DST), it has four CSIR institutions of world repute including Central Drug 

Research Institute (established in 1951), which is housed in the historical picturesque Chhatter 

manzil on the banks of Gomti. Close to it is another CSIR institution Indian Institute of 

Toxicology Research (1965). The National Botanical Research Institute (under CSIR since 1953), 

for long known as Botanical Garden, is a leading institution for plant science research. Central 

Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, founded in 1959, is another jewel in city's crown. 

The Sanjay Gandhi PG Institute for Medical Sciences is an advanced center for medical care and 

research. The Indian Institute of Sugarcane Research, Central Institute for Subtropical 

Horticulture, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Research and National Research Laboratory for 

Conservation of Cultural Property are important research institutions of Lucknow. There are 

52


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

research institutions of the Public Works Department, Railways and Northern region office of the 

Geological Survey of India and DST's Regional Sophisticated Instrumentation Center Housed 

in CDRI. Lucknow has a Meteorological Center too. Lucknow is also a strong center of 

science communication and popularization. 

Lucknow has FM broadcast in addition to the MW and SW from Prasar Bharti. Apart from 

Doordarshan, there are many channel representatives (some with studios) here. AIR and DD 

have their training centers also. In addition to many small newspapers, Lucknow has a number 

of daily national newspapers like Danik Hindustan, Danik Jagran, Hindustan Times, Jansatta, 

Rashtriya Sahara, Swantra Bharat, the Indian Express, The Pioneer and The Times of India. 

Lucknow is truly a unique mix of the traditional and the modern. The Malls and the temples are 

found equally crowded. On Tuesday evenings few'd pass a Hanuman temple without paying their 

respect, bowing head or folding hands, even if it means taking hands off the handle of the 

moving two-wheeler! On Shivratri, the Mankameshwar temple is overcrowded. The grand 

church at Hazratganj, an impressive mosque near Imambara and many Gurudrawaras and 

several Jain temples, etc. present the traditional face of the city. The nearby Deva Sharif mela also 

draws many, irrespective of religion. Goodbye to times when people used to bury drinks under 

sand on the banks of Gomti for cooling, welcome refrigerators! But you'd still find thandaii (a 

drink made of milk, dry fruits, black pepper and sometimes post/bhang and some special 

ingredients) instead of cold drinks in many fridges! 

So that's lucknow for you. Do see that Lucknow too, welcome. But must SMILE because you are 

in Lucknow. We are sure you'd agree with the poet who wrote "Lucknow ham pe fida, ham 

fidaye Lucknow" i.e. Lucknow is in love with us and we with Lucknow. 

We wish you LUCK NOW! 

C M Nautiyal 

BSIP, Lucknow 

53

ABOUT 


7


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany (BSIP), Lucknow 

An autonomous institution under the Department of Science & Technology, 

Government of India 

Located on the University Road, Lucknow, the Birbal Sahni 

Institute of Palaeobotany is a unique institution in the world, founded 

by late Prof. Birbal Sahni, FRS, and colleagues in 1946. It is 

exclusively devoted to Palaeobotany- the study of plant fossils and 

related disciplines. It’s a science dealing with evolution of life, especially 

plant life, and the medium to understand these mysteries is the fossils representing life forms 

which can be billions of years old. The approach is inter-disciplinary, involving Botany, 

Geosciences, Physics, and Chemistry, etc. for academic purpose including applied aspects 

particularly hydrocarbons. 

Plant fossils are found as impressions, compressions, moulds/ casts or petrified forms etc. Lifeforms 

in the fossils from Precambrian to the recent are studied at BSIP. Scattered fragments may 

have to be put together to reconstruct the whole plant. In addition, one also finds the minute pollen 

grains and spores which are typical of the vegetation they belong to, and survive for millions of 

years buried in sediments. They help in reconstructing the scenario of the vegetation of the 

bygone era and help in deducing the age of the sediments. 

The past vegetation-scenario helps us in figuring out the past climate changes. But it's important to 

tag these climate change events to a time scale. It's provided (upto about the past 40,000 years) by 

the radiocarbon dating laboratory, the only such national facility in the country. Dating and 

study of samples of archaeobotanical interest is critical to understand the evolution of culture and 

civilization. The studies led to interesting pieces of information such as use of henna, shikakai and 

aanvala during the Harappan period. 

Gondwana sequence vegetation (about 30 crore years ago to about 13 crore years ago) is of major 

interest because Indian coal formed from Gondwana and Tertiary vegetation. Scientists also study 

tree- rings to deduce palaeomonsoon/climate and palaeo earthquakes. The samples for all these 

studies are collected from all over the globe including polar regions which have been visited by 

various scientists of the Institute. 

Palynofossils, including pollen, spores, algae, acritarchs, dinoflagellates cysts and Vase shaped 

microfossils (VSM=Chitinozoa), etc occur on continents as well as in oceans, and offer clues to 

the age of the rocks, correlation with other rocks and also evaluation of the source rock for 

hydrocarbon potential. It helps in deciding about stopping or continuing the drilling which is 

an expensive process. Work is also done on the organic petrology to evaluate the quality of coal 

and its Coal Bed Methane potential. 

The museum of the Institute is a rich repository of fossils from all over the world. A special 

attraction is the foundation stone with 77 fossils embedded by Prof. Sahni which was laid by Pt. 

Jawahar Lai Nehru in 1949. The Institute boasts of one of the richest collection of literature on 

the subject. It also has a herbarium for offering comparison between the past and present 

vegetation. There are excellent optical microscopes, scanning electron microscope and elemental 


54


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

analyser. Thin section-making facility, well equipped maceration, glass-shop and machine-shop 

and section-cutting labs, computer centre add to the infrastructural facilities. 

The Institute holds national and international conferences/workshops and publishes catalogues, 

atlases etc. on special occasions besides a Newsletter as well as an international research journal 

The Palaeobotanist' periodically. Scientists of international standing are honored through Medals 

and Commemoration and memorial lectures. 

At present Dr. N.C. Mehrotra, a well known palynofossil expert is Director of the Institute. Dr. 

S.N. Bhalla, is Chairman of the Research Advisory Council and Dr. Shailesh Nayak, Secretary, 

Ministry of Earth Science, New Delhi is Chairman of the Governing Council. 

Contact: www.bsip.res.in, director@bsip.res.in 

Phone: +91 - 0522 - 2740008, 2740011, 2740413, 2740399, 

Telefax: +91 - 0522 - 2740485, 2740098 


55

Course Co-ordinator 

Dr N C Mehrotra 

Planning & Co-ordination 

Dr. Madhav Kumar 

Dr Rupendra Babu 

Dr B D Singh 

Dr Amit K Ghosh 


[ September 10-17, 2012 ] 

Souvenir / Brochure / Booklet etc. 

Preparation 


Dr C M Nautiyal 

Mr Madhukar Arvind 

Dr Nilay Govind 

Laboratory, Equipment & Computer 

Facilities 

Mr P S Katiyar 

Mr Chandra Pal 

Mr V P Singh 

Mrs Reeta Banerjee 

Mr Subodh Kumar 

Reception Management 

Dr Sadhan Basumatary 

Dr Suresh K Pillai 

COMMITTEE 


Transport & Accomodation Arrangement 

Dr C M Nautiyal 

Dr Amit K Ghosh 

Dr Suresh K Pillai 

Dr Veeru K Singh 

Mr Hari Lal 

Mr Gopal Singh 

Catering Arrangement 

Mrs Reeta Banerjee 

Mrs P Thomas 

Dr Firoz Quamar 

Mr R K Awasthi 

Photography 

Dr Neerja Jha 

Mr Digamber S Bisht 

Auditorium & Audio Visual 


Mr Pawan Singh Katiyar 

Mr V P Singh 

Electrical Maintenance 

Mr Hari Lal 

Mr Ashok K Sharma 

56

SOUVENIR COMMITTEE - Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeobotany

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?