Oceans cover 70% of the globe and remain a key part of our life. They support fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods, and blue trade, making them crucial for global prosperity. Moreover, oceans act as storehouses of food, energy, minerals, and medicines, while also playing a significant role in weather and climate modulation. They underpin life on Earth in numerous ways. However, despite their importance, 95% of the deep ocean remains unexplored, leaving us with a vast frontier yet to be understood and harnessed.
Recognizing the immense value of oceans and the need for their sustainable development, the United Nations (UN) declared the decade from 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. This initiative aims to promote international cooperation and research efforts to better understand and conserve our oceans. In line with this global agenda, India, with its unique maritime position, has embarked on a pioneering endeavor called the Deep Ocean Mission.
India's Maritime Position
India boasts a 7,517-kilometer-long coastline, nine coastal states, and 1,382 islands, highlighting its significant maritime potential. The Government of India's Vision of New India by 2030 recognizes the blue economy as one of the ten core dimensions of growth. The Blue Economy encompasses various sectors such as fisheries, shipping, coastal tourism, renewable energy, and marine biotechnology, which hold immense potential for sustainable economic development.
The Deep Ocean Mission
The Deep Ocean Mission, approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), represents a strategic step towards harnessing the potential of India's oceans. With a projected cost of Rs. 4,077.0 crores for a period of five years, the mission will be implemented in a phased manner. The first phase, spanning three years (2021-2024), will have a budget of Rs. 2,823.4 crore. The Deep Ocean Mission aligns with the government's Blue Economy Initiatives and will be overseen by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), which serves as the nodal ministry for this multi-institutional and ambitious undertaking.
Components of the Deep Ocean Mission
The Deep Ocean Mission comprises several key components that aim to explore and leverage the vast resources and potential of the deep sea. These components include deep-sea mining, ocean climate change advisory services, technology developments for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity, an advanced marine station for ocean biology, technologies for deep-sea mining, and human capacity building in ocean research and technology. Together, these initiatives will enable India to deepen its understanding of the oceanic realm, develop sustainable practices, and build expertise in ocean research and technology.
Advantages of the Deep Ocean Mission
One of the primary advantages of the Deep Ocean Mission is the indigenization of technologies required for deep-sea mining. By developing the necessary equipment, ships, and infrastructure within the country, India can reduce its dependence on foreign entities and bolster its self-sufficiency. This endeavor will not only contribute to technological advancements but also create employment opportunities in the sector. The development of a dedicated research vessel for deep ocean exploration, along with capacity building in marine biology, will further generate job prospects for skilled individuals in Indian industries.
Additionally, the Deep Ocean Mission holds great potential for spurring the growth of the Indian industry, particularly micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups. The design, development, and fabrication of specialized equipment and ships, along with the establishment of necessary infrastructure, will create a demand for innovative solutions and services. This, in turn, will stimulate entrepreneurship and encourage the growth of the Indian blue economy.
Conclusion
The Deep Ocean Mission is a significant step towards unlocking the immense potential of India's oceans for sustainable development. By venturing into the unexplored depths, India can gain valuable insights, develop cutting-edge technologies, and foster the responsible use of marine resources. Through collaboration with national and international institutions, the mission will contribute to the global understanding of the deep ocean and pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for India and the world.
Source: MoES
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