CHANDIGARH: At GEOINDIA 2024, South Asia’s foremost Geoscience conference organized by the Association of Petroleum Geologists (APG) India, the Tethys Fossil Museum will present a compelling journey through Earth’s history, Himalayan geoscience, and a roadmap for sustainable energy development. Aligned with this year’s theme, “Exploring New Dimensions of Energy Dynamics, ” the museum’s display offers insights that connect ancient geological discoveries with the future of India’s energy and resource independence.
Founded by geologist Dr. Ritesh Arya, the Tethys Fossil Museum represents over 35 years of exploration and fossil discovery, from the hills of Kasauli to the high-altitude deserts of Ladakh. This journey has culminated in a unique collection of rare fossils, including recent discoveries of marine bivalves and hydrozoans at 18, 000 feet along Ladakh's Silk Route, which showcase the region’s submerged, marine past. These fossils form a narrative about the ancient Tethys Sea and the dynamic forces that gave rise to the Himalayas.
Dr. Arya’s focus goes beyond fossil discoveries. Over his career, he has contributed transformative ideas to geoscience, including groundbreaking models of groundwater dynamics in the Himalayas, the establishment of hydrostratigraphy for groundwater resource management, and his concept of *Agneyodra* — an advanced form of geothermal energy he calls “Lava Energy.” This innovative approach aligns with GEOINDIA’s focus on new energy solutions by offering an alternative to nuclear power and fossil fuels, harnessing the Earth’s natural heat for clean, sustainable power.
Dr. Arya believes Lava Energy holds the potential to transform India’s energy future, providing a solution that meets the needs of both present and future generations while maintaining harmony with the environment. At GEOINDIA 2024, he will share insights on how Lava Energy, by leveraging natural geothermal resources, can support India’s energy self-reliance, mitigate waste issues, and reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
Reflecting on India’s rich heritage of resourcefulness, Dr. Arya poses the question: “If our ancestors could discover the Kohinoor diamond and gold, why not we?” He advocates for a modern resurgence in mineral exploration using both traditional knowledge and advanced techniques. His goal is to reduce India’s reliance on imported minerals by unlocking the country’s untapped reserves of gold, diamonds, and other critical resources, aligning with the vision of *Atmanirbhar Bharat* (Self-Reliant India).
In his research, Dr. Arya offers a distinctive perspective on climate change. Based on geological and geomorphological evidence, he asserts that climate change is a natural, cyclic process, essential to Earth’s development. His Arya’s C Cycle presents a simplified understanding of climate systems, which he believes can help differentiate natural climate dynamics from pollution-related environmental issues. This approach aligns with GEOINDIA’s mission of exploring innovative solutions, encouraging balanced, science-based stewardship of natural resources.
Much of Dr. Arya’s vision for sustainable energy stems from his mentorship under the late Er. Gustav R. Grob, founder of the International Sustainable Energy Organization at the United Nations. Inspired by Grob’s dedication to global renewable energy, Dr. Arya’s work at GEOINDIA reflects a commitment to developing India’s own sustainable solutions, spanning energy, water, and mineral resources to create a resilient, self-reliant India for future generations.