Mission of Deep Ocean

Mission of Deep Ocean

March 15th

The Deep Ocean Mission is proposed as multi ministerial multi disciplinary programme with emphasis on development of deep sea technology, exploration of deep sea mineral resources and biodiversity, acquisition of a research vessel for exploration, deep sea observations, and capacity building. Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal agency for implementing the programme. The major aim proposed under Deep Ocean Mission are as follows:
  1. Development of technologies for deep sea mining, underwater vehicles and underwater robotics;
  2. Development of ocean climate change advisory services;
  3. Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep sea biodiversity;
  4. Deep ocean survey and exploration;
  5. Proof of concept studies on energy and freshwater from the ocean and
  6. Establishing advanced marine station for ocean biology

The year wise and component wise estimates of the scheme are as follows:

 

S.No Sub-scheme 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24 Subtotal
Phase I		 Review of Phase-I 2024-25 2025-26 Subtotal
Phase II		 TOTAL
1 Development of Technologies for Deep Sea Mining, Underwater Vehicles and Underwater Robotics. 293.4 406.6 377.4 1077.40 268.8 191.8 460.60 1538
2 Development of Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services, 22.3 21.05 23.75 67.1 18.7 14.2 32.9 100
3 Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep sea biodiversity, 157.25 143.52 59.78 360.55 43.1 21.35 64.45 425
4 Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration, 189.5 242 298 729.5 307.5 248.5 556 1285.50
5 Energy and freshwater from the Ocean  

6.8

 19.8 29.2  

55.8

  

27.1

 17.1  

44.2

 100
6 Advanced marine station for Ocean Biology 181 198 188 567 72 81 153 720
  TOTAL 850.25 1030.97 976.13 2857.35 737.2 573.95 1311.15 4168.50
Phase I

2857.35

 Phase II

1311.15

 

The Deep Ocean Mission is proposed to be a Central Sector Scheme and no separate allocation for States is envisaged. The funds are expected to be allocated based on the above estimates. It is done to collaborate with non governmental organisations for research collaboration for various components of Deep Ocean Mission.

Under Deep Ocean Mission, it is proposed to develop, test and demonstrate the mining technology for harvesting of polymetallic nodules from the Test Mine Site (TMS) in the allocated area of 75000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). A manned submersible for 6000 m depth is also proposed to be developed as an ocean exploratory tool. This information was provided by Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Union Minister for Science and Technology,  Earth Sciences and Health and Family Welfare in a written reply in Lok Sabha on March 12th.

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