Samudrayaan project

Why is in news? Shri Kiren Rijiju says Samudrayaan project aims to send three personnel to 6 km depth in a submersible to study the deep sea resources

The Union Minister of Earth Sciences said the Samudrayaan project is aimed to send three personnel to 6000m depth in a submersible, to study the deep sea resources and to biodiversity assessment. The project will not disturb ecosystem as the submersible is used for exploration of resources.

The Deep Ocean Mission supports the Blue Economy policy of the Government having potential for country’s GDP growth, and envisages sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth of the country, improved livelihoods and jobs, and ocean ecosystem health.

About the project:

The mission is aimed at sending three personnel to 6000-metre depth in a vehicle called ‘MATSYA 6000’ for the exploration of deep-sea resources like minerals.

‘MATSYA 6000’ vehicle is being designed and developed by National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai under Ministry of Earth Sciences.

It has an endurance of 12 hours under normal operation and 96 hours in case of emergency for human safety.

It is India’s first unique manned ocean mission and is a part of the Rs 6000-crores Deep Ocean Mission.

Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), IITM, and Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will actively participate in this mission.

India will be joining the elite club of nations such as the US, Russia, Japan, France, and China to have niche technology and vehicles to carry out subsea activities.

Significance:

The manned submersible will allow scientific personnel to observe and understand unexplored deep-sea areas by direct intervention.

Exploring mineral resources: Manned submersible facilitates the direct observation by the human in deep ocean in exploring mineral resources rich in Nickel, Cobalt, Rare Earths, Manganese etc. and collection of samples, which can be used for analysis.

Underwater engineering innovations: Mission has immediate spin-offs in the form of underwater engineering innovations in asset inspection, tourism and promotion of ocean literacy.

It will also boost the Central government's vision of 'New India' that highlights the Blue Economy as one of the ten core dimensions of growth.

India has a unique maritime position, a 7517 km long coastline, which is home to nine coastal states and 1,382 islands.

For India, with its three sides surrounded by the oceans and around 30% of the nation's population living in coastal areas and coastal regions play a major economic factor.

It supports fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods, and blue trade.