PRITHVI Scheme: Cabinet Approves Rs. 4,797 Crore with Focus on Advancing Earth Sciences

The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Ministry of Earth Sciences' comprehensive ‘PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)’ Scheme. This ambitious initiative, slated for implementation from 2021 to 2026, carries an overall budget of Rs. 4,797 crore. The scheme comprises 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 PRITHVI scheme will foster integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs across various MoES institutes. This collaborative approach will address challenges related to weather, climate, oceanography, cryosphere, seismology, and resource exploration, paving the way for sustainable harnessing of living and non-living resources.

Objectives of PRITHVI Scheme

The overarching Prithvi Scheme aims to achieve several key objectives:

1. Long-Term Earth System Observation: The scheme focuses on enhancing and sustaining long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth to record crucial data reflecting Earth System dynamics and changes.

2. Modeling Systems Development: It seeks to develop advanced modeling systems for a comprehensive understanding and prediction of weather, ocean behavior, climate hazards, and the science of climate change.

3. Polar and High Seas Exploration: PRITHVI will spearhead exploration in polar and high seas regions, fostering the discovery of new phenomena and resources critical for scientific and societal advancement.

4. Oceanic Resource Technology: The scheme emphasizes the development of technology for exploring and sustainably harnessing oceanic resources for societal applications.

5. Knowledge Translation for Societal Benefit: PRITHVI aims to translate insights from Earth systems science into practical services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit.

Ministry of Earth Sciences Mandate

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is entrusted with translating scientific knowledge into services for society. It provides crucial services related to weather, climate, ocean and coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards. These services play a pivotal role in disaster management, offering forecasts and warnings for various natural disasters.

Institutes and Research Support

The MoES conducts its research and operational activities through ten Institutes, each specializing in specific areas such as meteorology, oceanography, and seismology. A fleet of oceanographic and coastal research vessels supports the research efforts, ensuring a comprehensive approach to scientific exploration.

Earth System Sciences encompass the intricate interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. MoES holistically addresses all aspects of Earth System Science, and the PRITHVI scheme is designed to enhance the understanding of these components for more reliable services.