MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PLANNING, MINISTER OF STATE IN
THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE IN
THE MINISTRY OF EARTH SCIENCES (DR. ASHWANI KUMAR)
(a & b) Yes, Sir. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) as a nodal ministry
of Government of India, is engaged in the exploration and developmental
activities pertaining to polymetallic nodules lying on deep seabed in an
area of 75000 sq. km in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB). This area
lies outside the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of India, located about
2000 km from her southern tip. India was initially allotted an Area of
1,50,000 sq.km. in CIOB by the then Preparatory Commission of United
Nations on 17th August, 1987. As per obligations, India relinquished
50% of the Area in phases and retained 75,000 sq km.
(c & d) Yes, Sir. India undertakes exploration of ocean floors by using
our own vessels. As Ocean Research Vessel Sagar Kanya is more than 25
years old, Ministry has initiated action for her replacement.
(e & f) Ministry of Earth Sciences is engaged in development of integrated
deep sea mining system for operating upto 6000 m water depth in phases.
In the initial phases, National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), an
autonomous Institute under the Ministry has designed, developed and
demonstrated a prototype shallow bed mining system consisting of collector,
crusher & crawler which is capable of working upto a depth of 500 m.
