Union Cabinet Approves Rs 4797 Crore For PRITHVI Vigyan Initiative

Context: The government has recently approved the “Prithvi Vigyan” initiative at a cost of Rs 4,797 crore over a five-year period from 2021 to 26.

About Prithvi Vigyan Initiative

Prithvi Vigyan: It is an overarching initiative proposed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to club five ongoing sub-schemes related to earth sciences.
Sub- Schemes:
- Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services (ACROSS).
- Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART).
- Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER).
- Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE).
- Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACH OUT).
Objectives of PRITHVI Scheme:
- Enhance and maintain long-term monitoring of Earth’s atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth to track vital signs and changes.
- Develop modeling systems for accurate prediction of weather, ocean conditions, and climate hazards, while advancing the understanding of climate change.
- Explore polar and high seas regions for the discovery of new phenomena and resources.
- Develop technology for sustainable exploration and utilization of oceanic resources for societal applications.
- Translate knowledge from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit.
Significance:
- These integrated research and development efforts will help all five components of the earth system (weather, climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science) to improve the understanding of the earth system sciences.
- Explore the living and non-living resources for their sustainable harnessing.
- It will enable the development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes.