CHANDIGARH, February 16: The workshop on “Geothermal Development in Northwest
Himalayas” organised by the Centre of Advanced Study in Geology, Panjab University
(PU) and the department of civil engineering, National Institute of Technology,
Hamirpur in association with INDNOR Project (an Indo Norway joint Venture) concluded
on the PU campus today.
      Dr Kristi of National Geotechnical Institute, Oslo, Dr.Jiri Muller of
Institute for Energy Technology, Oslo and Dr Arni R. Ice lands, Geo Survey were the
keynote speakers.  Geo-scientists worked in the field prior to this Workshop in Leh
(Himalaya) and visited the famous Pugga valley of hot spot springs. The aim of joint
project is to study the geological and geo-technical
conditions for generation of geo-thermal energy.

     Prof. S.K. Sharma, founder director of Energy Research Centre, P.U., former
D.U.I. and presently Professor Emeritus inaugurated the workshop and highlighted the
efforts made earlier to harness energy resources of hot springs. Dr Ritesh Arya
introduced the theme and methodology to be adopted for implementation of project.  
Earlier, Professor G.S. Gill, Chairman, department of Geology, PU, welcomed the
scientists from Norway and the chief guest.  He informed that the Department of
Geology, PU is contemplating to sign a MoU with Institute for Energy Technology, Oslo
for having a joint project on the geo-thermal energy resources.  This will
give the students an opportunity to work in the new area of geo-science
and develop advance laboratories in the University.  Prof. Naresh Tuli,
coordinator of the workshop presented vote of thanks.

                                            Press Note
No.84