Two Indian aquanauts recently carried out deep-sea dives in the Atlantic Ocean under the Samudrayaan Project, collecting over 100 kg of cobalt-rich polymetallic nodules from a depth of 1,173 metres in the Andaman Sea.
About the Deep Ocean Mission
- Launched by Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on 7th September 2021.
- Budget: ₹4,077 crore over 5 years.
- Aim: To develop technology for deep-sea exploration, ensure sustainable use of marine resources, and boost India’s Blue Economy.
- Aligns with UN Decade of Ocean Science (2021–2030).
- Implemented in a phased manner.
Core Components of the Mission
- Samudrayaan Project: Development of a manned submersible to carry 3 people up to 6,000 metres. Creation of an Integrated Mining System to extract polymetallic nodules.
- Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Advanced ocean observation and climate forecasting (seasonal to decadal).
- Biodiversity Exploration & Conservation: Study and sustainable use of deep-sea flora, fauna, microbes. Promotes fisheries, marine biotechnology, and allied sectors.
- Deep Ocean Survey & Exploration: Mapping mineral-rich sites such as hydrothermal sulphides. Expands India’s access to seabed mineral reserves.
- Energy and Freshwater from Oceans: OTEC (Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion)-based desalination pilot projects. Supports renewable energy and water security.
- Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology: A dedicated research hub for marine biology & engineering.
Strategic Importance for India
- India has 11,098 km coastline, 9 coastal states, and 1,382 islands.
- Mission boosts:
- Fisheries & aquaculture.
- Marine biotechnology & industry.
- Coastal tourism opportunities.
- Energy & resource security.
- Expands India’s role in Blue Economy and strengthens claim over seabed resources.
- PM recently highlighted the mission as a ‘Samudra Manthan’ for oil, gas, and mineral exploration.
Conclusion:
The Deep Ocean Mission is a strategic and scientific leap for India, positioning it as a global leader in ocean exploration. With its focus on minerals, biodiversity, climate services, and marine energy, the mission bridges economic growth with sustainability, making oceans a new frontier of India’s development.
