Question : Ocean Based Blue Economy

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 2896
TO BE ANSWERED ON FRIDAY, March 12, 2021

OCEAN BASED BLUE ECONOMY

2896 Shri K. Muraleedharan

Will the Minister of EARTH SCIENCES be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has any proposal for growth and development of Ocean based Blue Economy;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether any exploration has been started on the basis of Ocean based Blue Economy;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the details of private participation in the above project?

ANSWER
MINISTER FOR MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND
MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES
(DR. HARSH VARDHAN)
(a) Yes Sir. A draft policy framework on India’s Blue Economy has been prepared
(b) The draft Blue Economy policy framework envisages the optimal utilization of all sectors of the maritime domain, (living, non-living resources, tourism, ocean energy, etc.) for sustainable development of coastal areas. This policy document contains key recommendations on National Accounting Framework for Blue Economy and Ocean Governance, Coastal Marine Spatial Planning and Tourism Priority, Marine Fisheries, Aquaculture and Fish Processing. Manufacturing, Emerging Industries, Trade, Technology, Services and Skill Development, Logistics, Infrastructure and Shipping, Coastal and Deep-Sea Mining and Offshore Energy and Security, Strategic Dimensions and International Engagement
(c) Yes Sir.
(d) India has been granted exclusive rights of exploration under the contracts signed with International Seabed Authority in 2002 and 2016 for exploration of polymetallic nodules in Central Indian Ocean Basin and polymetallic sulfides in South-West Indian Ocean respectively. India carries out exploration in these areas in international waters in accordance with the contract.
(e) The industry bodies like FICCI, CII and ASSOCHAM have been requested to provide their views on the draft Blue Economy Policy framework document.
*****