'PRITHVI' Initiative: A Comprehensive Approach to Earth Sciences Research

The Union Cabinet, has granted approval for the 'Prithvi Vigyan' initiative, an integrated framework that consolidates five ongoing sub-schemes related to earth sciences.

Aim:

This initiative, with a budget of Rs 4,797 crore over a five-year period (2021-26), aims to streamline and enhance the research efforts of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

The MoES currently manages various sub-schemes, including

• 'Atmosphere and Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems and Services,'
• 'Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology,'
• 'Polar Science and Cryosphere Research,'
• 'Seismology and Geosciences,' and
• 'Research, Education, Training and Outreach.'
• The new 'PRITHVI' initiative will provide the ministry with the flexibility to allocate funds and pursue research projects seamlessly across these domains.

Need for 'PRITHVI':

Integrated Earth System Sciences:

• The 'PRITHVI' initiative shifts the focus from separate verticals such as atmosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, and ocean science to an integrated approach.
• This allows for cross-disciplinary projects and the combined utilization of funds allocated for different verticals, fostering a holistic understanding of earth system sciences.

Facilitating Ease of Research:

• The scheme aims to facilitate ease of doing research by providing a unified platform for integrated multi-disciplinary earth science research and innovative programs.
• This streamlining is expected to enhance collaboration and coordination among different MoES institutes.

Objectives of 'PRITHVI':

The overarching 'PRITHVI' scheme aims to address grand challenges in various earth science domains:

1. Augmentation and sustenance of long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth to monitor vital signs and changes in the earth system.
2. Development of modeling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean, and climate hazards.
3. Exploration of polar and high seas regions to discover new phenomena and resources.
4. Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.
5. Translation of knowledge and insights from earth systems science into services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit.

Implementation and Collaboration:

• The integrated research and development efforts under 'PRITHVI' will involve collaborative endeavors across different MoES institutes, including the India Meteorological Department, National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting, and others.
• The ministry's fleet of oceanographic and coastal research vessels will provide essential support for research initiatives.
• By consolidating sub-schemes and promoting cross-disciplinary projects, it aims to address critical challenges, contribute to scientific knowledge, and harness earth's resources sustainably.