PRITHVI PROGRAMME - SCI & TECH
News: Cabinet
clears ‘Prithvi’ programme for earth observation, satellite project with
Mauritius
What's in the news?
● The
Union Cabinet on January 5 cleared a ₹4,797-crore programme called ‘Prithvi’
(Earth) that is expected to subsume five existing schemes of the Ministry of
Earth Sciences (MoES).
Prithvi Programme:
●
It is an overarching
scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences
(MoES) for the period from 2021 to 2026.
Sub-schemes:
It
encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes, namely:
●
ACROSS
- Atmosphere and Climate
Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services.
●
O-SMART
- Ocean
Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology.
●
PACER - Polar Science and Cryosphere
Research.
●
SAGE
- Seismology and Geosciences
○
The scheme includes six
activities, including seismological monitoring and microzonation. SAGE aims to
strengthen earthquake monitoring
and research on the Earth's solid components.
●
REACHOUT
- Research, Education,
Training and Outreach.
Components of Prithvi Scheme:
PRITHVI scheme
comprehensively addresses the five
components of Earth System Sciences:
●
Atmosphere
●
Hydrosphere
●
Geosphere
●
Cryosphere
●
Biosphere
This holistic
approach aims to enhance understanding and deliver reliable services for the
country.
Objectives:
●
To augment and sustain long-term observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere,
cryosphere and solid earth to record the vital signs of the Earth System and
change.
●
Development of modelling systems for
understanding and predicting
weather, ocean and climate hazards and understanding the science
of climate change.
●
Exploration of polar and high seas regions of the Earth towards discovery of
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.
Significance
for India:
●
PRITHVI provides advanced warning services for natural disasters like cyclones,
floods, heatwaves, and earthquakes, facilitating prompt and effective disaster
management.
●
The scheme ensures precise weather forecasts for both
land and oceans, enhancing safety and minimizing property damages in adverse
weather conditions.
●
PRITHVI extends its reach to explore the
three poles of the Earth - Arctic, Antarctic, and Himalayas facilitating valuable
insights and knowledge about these regions.
●
The scheme encourages the development of
technology for exploration and sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources,
aligning with modern advancements in Earth Science.