Union Cabinet Approves “PRITHVI VIGYAN (PRITHVI)” Scheme for Ministry of Earth Sciences
The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has given its nod to the comprehensive scheme “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This overarching scheme, to be implemented from 2021-26, comes with a budget of Rs. 4,797 crore. It includes five ongoing sub-schemes, namely “Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS),” “Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART),” “Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER),” “Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE),” and “Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).”
Objectives of the PRITHvi Scheme:
- Augmentation and sustainance of long-term observations of the Earth’s atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth.
- Development of modeling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean, and climate hazards, and comprehending the science of climate change.
- Exploration of polar and high seas regions towards discovering new phenomena and resources.
- Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.
- Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit.
Role of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES): The MoES is mandated to translate science into services for society, providing weather, climate, ocean, coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards services. It also explores and harnesses marine living and non-living resources sustainably and investigates the three poles of the Earth (Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas).
Research & Development and Operational Activities: The MoES conducts research and development and operational (services) activities through ten institutes, including IMD, NCMRWF, CMLRE, NCCR, NCS, NIOT, INCOIS, NCPOR, IITM, and NCESS. These institutions work collaboratively to address the complex interactions of the Earth System Sciences.
Holistic Approach of PRITHVI: Earth System Sciences involve all five components of the Earth system, and PRITHVI will holistically address these components to enhance the understanding of Earth System Sciences and provide reliable services for the country. The integrated and multi-disciplinary approach of PRITHVI will contribute to addressing significant challenges related to weather and climate, oceanography, cryosphere, seismology, and resource exploration for sustainable harnessing.
