Excelsior Correspondent
CHENNAI, Oct 30 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today boarded the Indian subcontinent’s pioneer Research Vessel Ship “Sagar Nidhi” from the Chennai Port and interacted with Scientists on the deck.
Secretary Earth Sciences, Dr M. Ravichandran told the reporters that Dr Jitendra Singh is the first ever Science & Technology Minister to have accompanied the Scientists when the ship sailed from the Chennai Port.
The Minister also reviewed the Research Fleet of National Institute of Ocean Technology under Ministry of Earth Sciences at Chennai Port with leading Scientists.
Dr Jitendra Singh noted the role of Sagar Nidhi in exploring the ocean resources and participation in search and rescue operations, more specifically its importance for implementation of Deep Ocean Mission. 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.
The Minister appreciated the support extended by Chairman and officials of the Chennai Port Trust for support in implementation of R& D activities of the Ministry. He boarded the Ship ORV Sagar Nidhi, India’s state of the art ice-class research vessel and went on a short cruise during which, he reviewed the scientific & technology demonstration capabilities of the Ships and its capabilities. He was informed that 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.
Dr Jitendra Singh was apprised of the ship facilities like handling gear, propulsion and control systems. He observed that such technology demonstration vessels are required for exploration and harnessing ocean resources for the Blue Economy. He praised the valuable contribution of these Research Ships towards enhancing the knowledge on oceans and also reviewed the fleet of research vessels comprising Sagar Nidhi, Sagar Manjusha, Sagar Tara and Sagar Anveshika.
Dwelling on the issue of Deep Ocean Mission, Dr Jitendra Singh said that the Union Cabinet has approved it in June this year to be implemented by Ministry of Earth Sciences at a total budget of Rs. 4077 Cr for 5 years. The Minister said, the Deep Ocean Mission is a multi-ministerial, multi-disciplinary programme with 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.
Dr Jitendra 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 3 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.
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