Launch of new initiatives to develop Blue Economy of Indian Ocean: Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways

A Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) has been launched by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, which is an initiative to develop Blue Economy of Indian Ocean, said the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Mr. Sarbananda Sonowal.

The DOM is a multi-ministerial, multi-disciplinary programme with an emphasis on the development of deep-sea technology that includes the development of manned Submersible rated for 6,000-metre water depth along with technologies for deep-sea mining, exploration of deep-sea mineral resources and marine biodiversity, acquisition of a research vessel for ocean exploration, development of ocean climate change advisory services, deep sea observations, and capacity building in Marine Biology. The activities of the DOM will help to develop the potential of the blue economy of the Indian Ocean.

The work for the development of the Energy Efficient River Survey Drifter Drone (Autonomous Survey Craft) was awarded by Inland Waterways Authority at a total cost of US$ 27,000 (Rs. 21.94 Lakh) to Indian Maritime University (IMU). An amount of US$ 17,000 (Rs. 14.47 Lakh) has been released till date to IMU.  

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