Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh reviewed the scientific and technology demonstration capabilities of Oceanographic Research Vessel (ORV) Sagar Nidhi which set sail from the Chennai Port on Saturday.
Singh went on a short cruise after boarding India's state of the art ice-class research vessel and also interacted with the scientists on the deck.
Sagar Nidhi is the first Indian-flagged research ship that reached the 66°S latitude (Antarctic waters), facing 11 storms and 73 nm/hr wind speed, witnessing nature's harshest conditions.
The minister noted the role of pioneer research vessels in exploring the ocean resources and participation in search and rescue operations, more specifically its importance for implementation of the Deep Ocean Mission.
VIDEO: Visited, went around and sailed in Indian Subcontinent’s pioneer Research Vessel Ship “Sagar Nidhi” from #Chennai Port. Interacted with Scientists, discussed versatile projects in progress. pic.twitter.com/V1U3gJKxqT
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) October 30, 2021
The vessel is capable of carrying out geo-scientific, meteorological and oceanographic research, and is designed with blue-water capability with ranges of up to 10,000 nautical miles (19,000 km) for voyages lasting up to 45 days.
He was apprised of the ship's facilities like handling gear, propulsion and control systems.
Singh observed that such technology demonstration vessels are required for exploration and harnessing ocean resources for the Blue Economy.
Targeting 100 billion Blue Economy through Deep Ocean Mission and ocean resources
Research vessel ships are an important tool for ocean research and development of ocean technology. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has at present six ships – Sagar Nidhi, Sagar Manjusha, Sagar Kanya, Sagar Sampada, Sagar Tara and Sagar Anveshika – which are used for many ocean studies and applications including ocean observations.
The multi-ministerial, multi-disciplinary Deep Ocean Mission, having a total budget of Rs 4077 crore for five years, was approved by the Cabinet in June.
It lays emphasis on development of deep-sea technology that includes development of manned submersible rated for 6000 metre water depth along with technologies for deep sea mining, exploration of deep-sea mineral resources and marine biodiversity, acquisition of a research vessel for ocean exploration, deep sea observations, and capacity building in marine biology.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) has the mandate of providing weather, climate, ocean and seismological services and to harness living and non-living resources. MoES is also involved in development of relevant ocean technology and ocean survey of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and deep oceans for minerals and energy.
National Institute of Technology (NIOT) Chennai has the mandate to develop technologies for the sustainable harvesting of living and non-living resources of the ocean.
Singh underlined that private institutions will also be included for development of technologies for this mission to explore the possibilities of mining, biodiversity, energy, fresh water, etc. in deep ocean and to support the 'Blue Economy'.
The Minister added that it is planned to develop a manned submersible to carry three people to a depth of 6000 metres in the ocean with suit of scientific sensors and tools. All the components of the mission will commence in 2021.
India, a traditionally maritime country with rich maritime heritage, has an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of about 2.37 million square kilometres wherein India enjoys the exclusive legal right to utilise all living and non-living resources.
Apart from this, India has been allotted 75,000 square kilometers in the central Indian Ocean and 10,000 square kilometres in the southern Indian Ocean by the International Seabed Authority. These areas are rich in minerals like manganese, cobalt and nickel.
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