Context:
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, approves the “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” scheme by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Relevance:
GS II: Government Policies and Interventions
About PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)
- Implementation Period: 2021-26
- Overall Cost: Rs. 4,797 crore
Sub-schemes under PRITHVI:
- 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)
- Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)
Major Objectives:
- Augmentation and sustainance of long-term observations of the Earth System components.
- Development of modeling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean, and climate hazards.
- Exploration of polar and high seas regions for discovering new phenomena and resources.
- Development of technology for exploring and sustainably harnessing oceanic resources.
- Translation of knowledge from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit.
Functions of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES):
- Provide services for weather, climate, ocean, coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.
- Explore and harness marine living and non-living resources sustainably.
- Explore the three poles of the Earth (Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas).
Holistic Approach of PRITHVI Scheme:
- Addresses all five components of Earth System Science.
- Enhances the understanding of Earth System Sciences.
- Provides reliable services for weather, climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science, and resource exploration.
Integrated Research and Development:
- Components of PRITHVI scheme are inter-dependent.
- Carried out in an integrated manner through combined efforts of concerned MoES institutes.
- Enables integrated multi-disciplinary Earth science research and innovative programs.
Outcome:
- Addresses grand challenges in weather and climate, oceanography, cryosphere studies, seismology, and sustainable resource exploration.
