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. 

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News Source: Pioneer