The Deep Ocean Mission, overseen by India's Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is a comprehensive initiative aimed at exploring and conserving deep-sea biodiversity. This mission emphasizes the sustainable use of ocean resources, including the exploration of mineral deposits that are essential for various technologies.
The Union Budget for 2023-24 has allocated Rs 600 crore to the Deep Ocean Mission, doubling the revised fund of Rs 300 crore from the previous year. This significant increase highlights the government's commitment to marine exploration and resource management.
The mission aims to:
Specific projects include the construction of a manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 6,000 meters and a dedicated research vessel for oceanographic studies.
The Deep Ocean Mission focuses on extracting ores rich in cobalt, manganese, zinc, and other rare metals. These materials are crucial for the manufacturing of batteries used in electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, smartphones, and laptops.
Experts have raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impacts of deep-sea mining on ocean biodiversity. The primary worries include the disruption of deep-sea ecosystems, many of which remain poorly understood. The absence of comprehensive scientific data on deep-sea species and their habitats complicates assessments of the long-term ecological impacts of mining activities.
Under the Deep Ocean Mission, Indian researchers are nearing the completion of a technology designed for deep-sea mining operations, aiming for commercial viability. Additionally, the mission includes initiatives to design offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plants and develop ocean climate change advisory services.
The Deep Ocean Mission holds substantial significance for India's strategic interests and economic development. It not only helps secure essential minerals for high-tech industries but also enhances our understanding of marine ecosystems, which is vital for environmental conservation and the sustainable use of ocean resources.
In summary, this initiative is a crucial step towards balancing technological advancement with environmental stewardship in the realm of marine exploration.
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