Rs 4,797 Crore PRITHVI to boost Atmosphere, Polar and Ocean Research

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Why in the News?
• About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)
• Benefits of the PRITHVI Scheme

Why in the News?

• The Union Cabinet has approved Rs 4,797 crore research scheme to boost and maintain research momentum in the fields of ocean, atmospheric and polar sciences.

About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)

• PRTHVI is an umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) for the period from 2021 to 2026.
• The scheme encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes namely:
  • Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS),
  • Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART),
  • Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER),
  • Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE) and
  • Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)
• The major objectives of the overarching PRITHVI Scheme are:
  • Augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere and biosphere to record the vital signs of the Earth System and change;
  • Development of modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean and climate hazards and understanding the science of climate change;
  • Exploration polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of new phenomena and resources;
  • Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications;
  • Translation of knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental and economic benefit.
• The scheme will enable development of integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across different MoES institutes.

Benefits of the PRITHVI Scheme

• The MoES is responsible for providing critical services related to weather, climate, ocean and coastal states, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.
• These services are crucial for issuing forecasts, warnings, and alerts for various natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes, thereby aiding in disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.
• Earth System Sciences encompass the study of the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere, along with their complex interactions.
• The Prithvi scheme aims to address these components holistically, improving our understanding of Earth System Sciences and providing reliable services for the country.
• The integrated research and development efforts across different MoES institutes will tackle grand challenges in weather, climate, oceanography, cryospheric studies, and seismology, exploring sustainable ways to harness both living and non-living resources.

Source: Rs 4,797 cr PRITHVI to boost atmosphere, polar and ocean research, says Rijiju | PIB