MINISTER FOR OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI)
(a) The Department of Ocean Development is implementing a number of schemes for
the development of oceans in the country. Some of the schemes continuing from
the last three years are as follows:
1. Polar (Antarctic) Science 2. National Project on development of Drugs from the sea 3. Assessment of Marine Living resources 4. Polymetalic Nodules Programme 5. Coastal Ocean Monitoring and Predicton system (COMAPS) 6. Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management (ICMAM) 7. Ocean Observation and Information Services (OOIS) 8. Marine research and Capacity Building 9. Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion(OTEC) 10. Delineation of Outer Limits Of Continental Shelf
(b) Some of the benefits from these schemes are listed below:
(i) As a result of activities in the field of polar science India is having
Consultative status under the Antarctic Treaty. The Meteorological data
being generated at Indian scientific Station in antarctica is a major input in
the model for prediction of monsoons. The Antarctic Oceans are richest in
marine resources. Studies have the potential of future utilisation of marine
living resources of these oceans.
(ii) Development of new Drugs from marine flora and fauna.
(iii) Assessment of living resources linked to oceanographic parameters, in the EEZ.
(iv) Development of technology for deep sea mining. Trials conducted for
mining at a depth of 400 metres. The system is designed to operate in the
depths of 6000 metres.
(v) The coastal waters of India are monitored regularly for keeping a watch on
the health of waters. The data is supplied to the Central and State
Pollution Control Boards.
(vi) Work is in progress for implementation of infrastructure development and
capacity building to facilitate adoption of concept of Integrated Coastal
and Marine Area Management.
(vii) Systems are being developed to use conventional and space data on oceans
to make experimental ocean state forecast. The observations from the sea
of surface meteorological and oceanographic parameters, help in improved
forecast of cyclones.
(viii) Universities are encouraged to set up Ocean science and Technology Cells.
(ix) Efforts are on to commission a 1 MW gross Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion plant.
(x) By completing proper delineation of outer limits of the continental shelf, it
would be possible for India to gain more than 1 million sq. km. Beyond
the present Exclusive Economic Zone.
