What is PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI) Scheme?

About PRITHVI Scheme

• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) to enhance the understanding of the Earth and its vital signs.
• This overarching initiative, with an allocation of Rs 4,797 crore for the period 2021-26, aims to significantly enhance research, modeling, and service delivery across crucial areas like weather, climate, oceans, and the polar regions. 
• The Prithvi scheme integrates five existing 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 (REACHOUT).
• These programs collectively aim to enhance our understanding of the Earth's vital signs and translate scientific knowledge into practical services that benefit society, the environment, and the economy.
• What will the Prithvi Scheme do?
  • One of the primary objectives of Prithvi is to augment and sustain long-term observations across the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth.
  • This will enable recording and monitoring of the Earth System's vital signs and changes.
  • Additionally, the scheme focuses on developing predictive models for weather, ocean, and climate hazards, as well as advancing the understanding of climate change science.
  • Exploration of the polar regions and high seas is another key aspect, aiming at discovering new phenomena and resources.
  • The scheme also emphasizes the development of technology for the exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.
• Various components of the PRITHVI scheme are interdependent and are carried out in an integrated manner through the combined efforts of the concerned institutes under the MoES.

Q1) What is Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services (ACROSS?

Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS) umbrella scheme is a central sector scheme, pertaining to the atmospheric science programs of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). The entire gamut of weather/climate prediction involves the observational systems, assimilation of meteorological observations, understanding the processes, research and development of dynamical models and providing the forecast services.

Source: Cabinet approves Rs 4,797 crore PRITHVI scheme to boost earth science research