Context: 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).

Background

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:

• 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.

• Development of modeling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean, and climate hazards.

• Exploration of polar and high seas regions to discover new phenomena and resources.

• Development of technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.

• 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.