Union Cabinet Approves "Prithvi Vigyan (Prithvi)" Scheme for Earth Sciences Revolution

• 08 Jan 2024

On 5^th January, 2024, the Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister has given the green light to the "Prithvi Vigyan (Prithvi)" scheme, a comprehensive initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aimed at transforming India's approach to earth science research.

Key Points

• Integrated Sub-Schemes: The Prithvi scheme amalgamates five existing sub-schemes, including ACROSS, O-SMART, PACER, SAGE, and REACHOUT, with a substantial investment of Rs 4,797 crore allocated for the period from 2021 to 2026.
• Holistic Approach: The scheme collectively focuses on Atmosphere & Climate Research, Ocean Services, Polar Science, Seismology, and Research, Education, Training, and Outreach, striving to enhance understanding of Earth's vital signs and translating scientific knowledge into practical services for societal, environmental, and economic benefits.
• Prithvi's Objectives: The scheme aims to augment long-term observations across various Earth components like the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth. It seeks to record and monitor the Earth System's vital signs and changes.
• Predictive Models: Prithvi emphasizes developing predictive models for weather, ocean, and climate hazards, advancing climate change science understanding, and exploring polar regions and high seas to discover new phenomena and resources.
• Technology Development: The scheme underscores the development of technology for sustainable exploration and harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.
• MoES Responsibilities: The Ministry of Earth Sciences is tasked with providing critical services related to weather, climate, ocean, coastal states, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards.
• Disaster Preparedness: These services play a crucial role in issuing forecasts, warnings, and alerts for natural disasters such as tropical cyclones, floods, tsunamis, and earthquakes, aiding in disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.
• Earth System Sciences: Prithvi addresses components of Earth System Sciences comprehensively, improving understanding and providing reliable services. Integrated efforts across MoES institutes will tackle challenges in weather, climate, oceanography, cryospheric studies, and seismology, exploring sustainable resource harnessing.