The Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced that the country is set to launch its first human underwater submersible (Deep-Sea Manned Vehicle) this year.
Deep Ocean Mission Highlights
- Submersible Development:
- Named Matsya 6000, the submersible is designed for deep-sea exploration.
- Initial trials will be conducted at depths of 500 meters, with plans to achieve 6,000-meter capabilities by next year.
- Technological Milestone:
- India will join a select group of six nations with such advanced underwater exploration capabilities.
- This achievement places India alongside countries like the US, Russia, Japan, France, and China in terms of deep-sea exploration technology.
- Progress Timelines:
- Harbor trials for the submersible are set to be completed by September 2024.
- Full trials at greater depths are targeted for completion by 2026.
Mission Objectives
- Explore deep-sea resources like polymetallic nodules, which contain valuable metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese.
- Enhance India’s capacity to exploit undersea resources sustainably while reducing dependency on imports.
- Promote sustainable fisheries and protect marine ecosystems.
- Strengthen resilience to climate change by understanding deep-sea processes and their influence on global systems.
(Source: PIB)
