India’s Deep Ocean Mission 2023: Unveiling the Potential of the Deep Sea for Economic Growth and Scientific Discoveries
India’s Deep Ocean Mission: India’s Deep Ocean Mission, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is gaining attention due to its significance in advancing the “Blue Economy.” Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and PMO, highlighted that the “Blue Economy” would play a vital role in India’s future economy, and the Deep Ocean Mission would be a core component of it. The mission’s first high-level Steering Committee Meeting was chaired by the minister, with the participation of various ministries and NITI Aayog.
India’s Deep Ocean Mission:
India’s Deep Ocean Mission: An Overview
Table 1: Components of the Samudrayaan Project
| Components | Objectives |
|---|---|
| Development of technologies for deep-sea mining and manned submersibles | Advance technological capabilities for mining operations and deep-sea exploration |
| Development of ocean climate change advisory services | Provide insights into oceanic climate change and its impacts |
| Technological innovations for sustainable use of marine bio-resources | Foster innovations for sustainable utilization of marine biological resources |
| Deep ocean survey and exploration | Conduct extensive surveys and explorations of the deep ocean |
| Energy production from the ocean and offshore-based desalination | Harness the ocean’s potential for energy production and explore offshore desalination techniques |
| Advanced marine station for ocean biology | Establish a research station for the study of oceanic biology |
The mission’s centerpiece is the Samudrayaan project, approved by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2021. This groundbreaking initiative aims to explore the deep sea through manned submersibles for ocean exploration and rare mineral mining. The project’s focus includes investigating resources like polymetallic manganese nodules, gas hydrates, hydrothermal sulfides, and cobalt crusts found at depths ranging from 1000 to 5500 meters.
To undertake this ambitious project, the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has been entrusted with its implementation. India’s efforts have been recognized by the International Sea Bed Authority (ISA), which has allocated a 75,000 sq km site in the Central Indian Ocean Basin for the exploration of poly metallic nodules. This allocation spans a 15-year contract, with preliminary estimates suggesting a potential resource of approximately 380 million tonnes of polymetallic nodules in the area.
The Samudrayaan project encompasses six key components, including the development of technologies for deep-sea mining and manned submersibles, ocean climate change advisory services, technological innovations for sustainable use of marine bio-resources, deep ocean survey and exploration, energy production from the ocean, and the establishment of an advanced marine station for ocean biology.
India’s Deep Ocean Mission: Vehicle Explained
One of the notable achievements of the mission is the deep-sea vehicle Matsya 6000. This indigenous submersible, developed in collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and NIOT, can carry three individuals and reach depths of up to 6000 meters. It features a titanium alloy personnel sphere for durability and safety during underwater missions and has an endurance capability of 12 hours.
The significance of the Deep Ocean Mission lies in its potential to stimulate the exploration and utilization of ocean resources, leading to the growth of the blue economy. It is a comprehensive program involving multiple ministries and disciplines, focusing on the advancement of deep-sea technology, the procurement of a dedicated research vessel, and the enhancement of capabilities in the field of marine biology.
As India embarks on this ambitious mission, it aims to position itself as a leader among developing countries in deep-sea exploration. The success of the Samudrayaan project would demonstrate India’s commitment to unlocking the economic and scientific potential of the deep sea.
Table 2: Specifications of Matsya 6000 Manned Submersible
| Specifications | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Depth | 6000 meters |
| Carrying Capacity | Three individuals |
| Personnel Sphere Material | Titanium alloy |
| Endurance Capability | 12+ hours |
| Key Applications | High-resolution bathymetry, biodiversity assessment, geoscientific observations, salvage operations, engineering support |
India’s Deep Ocean Mission:Conclusion
India’s Deep Ocean Mission holds immense potential for economic growth and scientific discoveries. With the focus on deep-sea exploration and mining, the mission aims to harness ocean resources for clean energy, drinking water, and sustainable utilization of marine bio-resources. By advancing deep-sea technology and research capabilities, India is poised to become a leader among developing countries in deep-sea exploration, emphasizing its commitment to unlocking the vast potential of the deep sea.
TO LEARN MORE
https://www.indiascience.in/videos/blue-economy-deep-ocean-mission-e-1
https://moes.gov.in/schemes/dom?language_content_entity=en
What is the Deep Ocean Mission?
The Deep Ocean Mission is an initiative by the Indian government to explore the deep sea through manned submersibles and advance the blue economy.
What is the Samudrayaan project?
The Samudrayaan project is a crucial part of the Deep Ocean Mission. It aims to send manned submersibles into the deep sea for ocean exploration and rare mineral mining.
What resources are being targeted in the Samudrayaan project?
The project focuses on exploring resources like polymetallic manganese nodules, gas hydrates, hydrothermal sulfides, and cobalt crusts found at depths ranging from 1000 to 5500 meters.
