The minister lauded National institute of Ocean Technology’s efforts for the development of Matsyayaan 6000 which could go 6,000 metres deep into the Ocean.
Chairing a meeting to discuss the 100 days Action Plan of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, union minister of state for science and technology, Dr Jitendra Singh expressed pride and happiness on the progress of deep sea mission and India being among the very few nations to achieve this feat.
Dr Singh said, “India is set to be the sixth country to have its own deep sea mission.”
He asked institutes to focus on achieving a resilient blue-economy to empower people dependent on the ocean and its energy for livelihood. On drawing contours of the deep sea mission he said “Mission is not limited to mineral exploration but development of ocean sciences and exploration of flora and fauna and conservation of marine biodiversity etc.”
The minister lauded ‘National institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)’s efforts for the development of ‘Matsyayaan 6000 which could go 6,000 metres deep into the Ocean. Taking stock of the progress, he directed officials to complete the first stage of harbor trials by September 2024 and finish subsequent trials by 2026.
The ‘Matsyayaan 6000’ submersible is under construction at National Institute of Ocean Technology at Chennai. India’s first manned Deep Ocean Mission ‘Samudrayaan’ plans to send this submersible with three humans in a 6-km ocean depth to study the deep sea resources and carry out a biodiversity assessment.
Dr. Jitendra Singh appreciated their work in collaboration with Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to successfully bear extreme pressure by developing ‘Titanium Hull’. He also enquired on the development of’ self –floatation’ technology to deal with emergency conditions and be submerged for 72 hours. Some of the highlights were the progress on four hour descent of the Yaan.
“Deep sea mission has the potential to contribute greatly to the overall growth of Indian economy,” said Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighting the multi-fold impact this mission will have on Flora and fauna, deep sea exploration, rare earth metals commercial exploitation, exploration and discovery of metals and poly metallic nodules in the Indian sea bed.
He also motivated scientists and officials to develop indigenous technology and capability and reduce India’s dependence.
