Cabinet approves 'Deep Ocean Mission' to explore renewable resources

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, June 16

The government on Wednesday approved a proposal of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, relating to the “Deep Ocean Mission” with an estimated investment of Rs. 4,077 crore in a period of five years.

The mission aims to conduct exploration up to 6,000 meters, under the sea to look for resources, and also to develop deep-sea technologies and a deep-sea station.

Announcing the decision of the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in this regard, Information & Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar said, the mission would be implemented in a phased manner, as in the first phase (2021-24), the government would spend Rs 2,823.40 crore.

The “Deep Ocean Mission” will be a mission mode project to support the blue economy initiatives of the government and the Ministry of Earth Sciences would be the nodal Ministry implementing this multi-institutional ambitious mission, said the Minister.

Javadekar, further, said with the mission India would become the sixth country in the world to have “deep ocean technology” after the US, Russia, China, France and Japan.

He said that with this mission, India would endeavour to conduct a “Deep Sea” survey and map the flora and fauna.

“A research vessel for deep ocean exploration would be built in an Indian shipyard which would create employment opportunities. This mission is also directed towards capacity development in Marine Biology, which will provide job opportunities in Indian industries,” the Minister said.

He also said that India has a unique maritime position, and its 7,517 km long coastline is home to nine coastal states and 1,382 islands.