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Mission Overview:
- The mission aims to send three personnel to a depth of 6000 meters using the manned submersible vehicle ‘MATSYA 6000’ for exploration of deep-sea resources like minerals.
- Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- MATSYA 6000 endurance: 12 hours under normal operation, 96 hours in emergencies ensuring human safety.
- It is India’s first unique manned ocean mission and part of the Rs 6000-crore Deep Ocean Mission.
Significance of the Mission
- Enables direct human observation and scientific study of unexplored deep-sea regions.
- Supports the Central government’s ‘New India’ vision, emphasizing the Blue Economy as a key growth dimension.
- India’s strategic maritime advantage:
- 7517 km coastline spanning 9 coastal states and 1,382 islands.
- About 30% of the population lives in coastal areas.
- Coastal and marine sectors contribute significantly to fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods, and blue trade.
About the Deep Ocean Mission
- Approved by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in June 2021.
- Focuses on exploring deep ocean resources, developing deep-sea technologies, and supporting sustainable use of ocean resources.
- Mission cost: Rs 4,077 crores over five years, implemented in phases.
- Aligns with India’s commitment to sustainable ocean resource utilization and Blue Economy initiatives.
Related National Initiatives Supporting Ocean and Coastal Development
- India-Norway Task Force on Blue Economy:
- Established in 2020 to foster joint sustainable development initiatives between India and Norway.
- Sagarmala Project:
- Strategic port-led development initiative using IT-enabled services to modernize ports and enhance coastal infrastructure.
- O-SMART (Ocean Services, Modelling, Applications, Resources, and Technologies):
- Umbrella scheme promoting regulated and sustainable use of ocean and marine resources.
- Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM):
- Focuses on conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems and improving livelihoods of coastal communities.
- National Fisheries Policy:
- Promotes the ‘Blue Growth Initiative’ to sustainably utilize fisheries and aquatic resources for economic growth.