NewzVille Desk
Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh, announced on Thursday that the country is set to launch its first human underwater submersible (Deep-Sea Manned Vehicle) this year.
Attending at the second meeting of the Mission Steering Committee on the “Deep Ocean Mission”, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the groundbreaking nature of this initiative, which positions India among an elite group of six nations with the technological prowess to undertake such an ambitious endeavour.
The Minister shared that the initial submersible will operate at a depth of up to 500 meters, with a subsequent goal of reaching a staggering depth of 6,000 meters by next year. This achievement will align with the timelines of India’s other landmark missions, including the Gaganyaan space mission, marking a “pleasant coincidence” in the nation’s journey toward scientific excellence.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted its potential to unlock vast resources, including critical minerals, rare metals, and undiscovered marine biodiversity, all of which are crucial for the country’s economic growth and environmental sustainability.
“Through this mission, we are not just exploring the depths of our oceans but also building a robust blue economy that will drive India’s future,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said. The Minister emphasized that the entire initiative is based on indigenous technology, developed and manufactured entirely in India, showcasing the nation’s self-reliance in cutting-edge science.
The mission also aims to enhance understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, contributing to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation. By tapping into these underwater treasures, India is poised to secure long-term benefits for its economy, scientific community, and environmental resilience.
Pankaj Chaudhary, Minister of State for Finance; Sanjay Seth, Minister of State for Defence; Suman K Bery, Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog; Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India; Dr. M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, along with senior officials from various Ministries were also attended the meeting.
