(a) whether surveys have been conducted to exploit marine resources in Indian coasts;
(b) if so, the details thereof, coast-wise and State-wise;
(c) whether the Government have planned for the exploitation of marine wealth both on-shore and off-shore during the Ninth Plan period and details of Tenth Plan programmes, if finalized, State-wise; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT , MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI)
(a), (b) and (c). Yes, Sir. The Government through Geological Survey of India under the Ministry of Mines undertakes surveys to ascertain the resources available in the territorial waters and continental shelf for non living resources and investigation related to the earth science. As per the information provided by GSI, during the surveys, GSI have already delineated economic heavy mineral sands comprising ilmenite, rutile, zircon, sillimanite, monazite and garnet off Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka coasts; high grade lime-mud deposit in water depths of 180 to 1200 m off Gujarat coast; 2-5 cm thick layer of micro-manganese nodules in water depths of 2800 to 4300 m in Lakshadweep Sea; oolites and calcareous sands found in water depths of 50 to 200 m off Maharashtra and Gujarat coast; high grade lime-mud deposits in water depths of 100 to 200 m off Andhra coast; phosphatised sediments (0.5 to 19.1% P2O5) in water depths of 100 to 200 m southeast off Chennai; calcareous sediments in water depths of 1000 m, west of Andaman-Nicobar Group of islands; high grade calcareous sands in shallow offshore and lagoons of Lakshadweep. There is no project for the exploitation of the established mineral resources in the coastal waters and Exclusive Economic Zone by the Government.
In respect of fishery resources the Ministry of Agriculture has estimated that the fishery potential from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone is 3.9 million tonnes. There is no project for the exploitation of fishery resources by the Government.
(d). Does not arise.