Government Sanctions Rs 4,797 Crore for Five-Year “Prithvi Vigyan” Earth Sciences InitiativE

On January 5, the government approved the “Prithvi Vigyan” initiative, a comprehensive program encompassing five ongoing sub-schemes related to earth sciences. The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, gave the green light to the proposal from the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to consolidate these sub-schemes, allocating a budget of Rs 4,797 crore over the period of 2021-26.

The approved sub-schemes under “Prithvi Vigyan” are as follows:

1. Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services
2. Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology
3. Polar Science and Cryosphere Research
4. Seismology and Geosciences
5. Research, Education, Training, and Outreach

“The overarching scheme of ‘Prithvi Vigyan’ (PRITHVI) will enable the development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes,” stated an official release.

The integrated efforts in research and development aim to address significant challenges in weather and climate, oceanography, cryosphere studies, seismology, and exploration of living and non-living resources for sustainable utilization. The objectives of the “PRITHVI” scheme encompass sustaining long-term observations of the earth system, developing modeling systems for predicting weather, ocean, and climate hazards, and understanding the science of climate change.

Additionally, the initiative includes exploration of polar and high seas regions to discover new phenomena and resources, technology development for sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources, and translating insights from earth systems science into services for societal, environmental, and economic benefits. The official statement emphasized the interdependence of various components within the “PRITHVI” scheme, executed through collaborative efforts of concerned institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.