Mapping Ministry Of Earth Sciences: Schemes And Initiatives- Part 2

Policy Update
Meenu Mohan

In the last 10 years, India has significantly advanced its Earth System Science capabilities, creating state-of-the-art observation, data modeling, and forecasting systems across oceanic, coastal, and atmospheric domains. Enhanced cyclone prediction accuracy, supported by disaster management efforts, has saved thousands of lives, significantly reducing the average track forecast error. Air quality prediction systems, such as a 400 m resolution model for Delhi, and Heat Action Plans in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), aim to mitigate environmental and health risks.

The High-Performance Computing (HPC) facility, upgraded to 10 PFlops, supports world-class weather and climate modeling. Investments like the Monsoon Mission have yielded substantial economic benefits for millions of marginalized agricultural and fisherfolk households. Coastal innovations include tsunami warnings, shoreline management systems, and marine spatial planning. India’s deep-ocean explorations and initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission and desalination plants further the Blue Economy agenda. Research facilities in the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Himalayas contribute to global climate studies, while mobile apps and campaigns like “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” engage citizens in marine conservation. These efforts showcase India’s commitment to sustainable development and disaster resilience through cutting-edge science and technology.

Schemes

Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)

A central sector umbrella scheme uniting India’s scientific and logistical programs across the Antarctic, Arctic, Himalayas, and Southern Ocean. Implemented through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), the scheme focuses on studying the Polar Regions’ strategic and scientific significance, maintaining research bases, and fostering climate and environmental research. It comprises four sub-schemes:

I. Indian Antarctic Programme

Objective: Support scientific research, coordinate annual expeditions, and maintain Antarctic research bases.

Key Features:

Established in 1981; it includes three permanent research stations: Dakshin Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati.
Focus on global climate studies, particularly the Indian monsoon and Antarctic-Tropics linkages.

II. Indian Arctic Programme

Objective: Advance Arctic research in atmospheric, biological, and glaciological sciences.

Key Features:

Initiated in 2007 with the ‘Himadri’ research station established in 2008.
Research focuses on aerosols, glacier mass budgets, biodiversity, and climate change impacts. Conducted 13 expeditions, benefiting over 400 researchers.

III. Indian Scientific Expeditions to the Southern Ocean (ISESO)

Objective: Study the role of the Southern Ocean in global climate systems and carbon sequestration.

Key Features:

Investigates air-sea-ice interactions, biogeochemistry, and paleo-climate reconstructions.
Develops sea-ice models and generates critical data for global climate predictions.

IV. Cryosphere and Climate

Objective: Understand cryospheric changes in Antarctica and the Himalayas and their climate impacts.

Key Features:

Studies glacier dynamics and climate variability, including hydrological impacts.
Initiated the Himalayan Cryospheric Observation and Modeling (HiCOM) program for regional assessments. It also enhances understanding of biogeochemical processes and isotope hydrology.

Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)

The SAGE initiative represents a multidisciplinary effort to bolster India’s geoscientific capabilities, addressing both fundamental research and practical applications for disaster preparedness and resource management. It encompasses six critical activities aimed at enhancing India’s capabilities in understanding and mitigating geological and seismic phenomena. These are:

Seismological Monitoring and Microzonation

National Centre for Seismology (NCS): Operates the National Seismological Network (NSN) with 153 observatories, monitoring seismic activity in real-time and disseminating earthquake information within five minutes. Future expansion includes adding nearly 300 stations in five years to enhance earthquake detection and location capabilities.
Microzonation: Site-specific studies for earthquake impact assessment, essential for land use planning and retrofitting. Completed for Delhi and Kolkata, with ongoing work in several other cities.

Geodynamics and Surface Processes

Research Themes: Studies focus on crustal processes, coastal dynamics, natural resources, and hazards. These include sediment transport, hydrological assessments, and natural disaster risk evaluation.
National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS): Implements research to predict future climate and sea-level changes and explores submarine groundwater discharge, which impacts oceanic ecosystems and freshwater management.

Indian Ocean Studies: Lithospheric Evolution and Geoid Low

IODP Participation: India contributes to the International Ocean Discovery Program, conducting deep-sea drilling for geological and monsoon studies.
Geoid Low Analysis: Focuses on understanding the Indian Ocean Geoid Low, the world’s largest, through advanced marine geophysical data collection.

Scientific Deep Drilling in the Koyna Intraplate Seismic Zone

Objective: Investigate recurrent earthquakes in Maharashtra by drilling boreholes to earthquake-origin depths.
Facilities: The Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) at Karad spearheads this initiative, focusing on advanced drilling, rock mechanics, and earthquake research.

Seismicity and Earthquake Precursors

Multi-Parametric Observatories: Established in key regions like Garhwal Himalaya and North-East India for comprehensive geophysical monitoring.
Active Fault Mapping: Initiated to systematically document India’s active faults, aiding seismic hazard assessments and disaster mitigation.

Facility for Geochronology

Geochronology Studies: Establishing a state-of-the-art facility at the Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, for isotopic and chronological research.
Instruments: Key equipment includes Accelerator Mass Spectrometry (AMS) and High-Resolution Secondary Ionization Mass Spectrometry (HR-SIMS), enabling cutting-edge studies on erosion rates, sediment origins, and Earth’s crust formation.

REACHOUT: Research, Education, Training, and Outreach

The REACHOUT program under the MoES aims to advance the understanding of Earth system sciences while fostering research, training, and public awareness. It encompasses six sub-schemes addressing research, knowledge dissemination, and capacity building in Earth sciences, leveraging national and international collaborations. The program aspires to create a skilled workforce and engage diverse stakeholders through outreach and training initiatives.

1. Research and Development in Earth System Sciences (RDESS)

Objective: To enhance understanding of the Earth system (atmosphere, ocean, solid Earth, biosphere) through multidisciplinary research, aiding national goals in Earth system services.
Key Features: Encourages need-based, time-bound projects with multi-institutional collaboration. Focuses on weather, climate, marine services, palaeoclimate, radar meteorology, and international collaborations.

2. Outreach and Awareness Programme

Objective: To propagate Earth sciences and foster scientific temper among public and academic communities.
Key Features: Organizes exhibitions, workshops, and Earth Day celebrations. Conducts Olympiads and media campaigns to spread awareness about Earth sciences.

3. Knowledge Resource Center Network (KRCNet)

Objective: To provide a centralized digital knowledge management system for MoES resources.
Key Features: Offers 24×7 access to publications, repositories, and real-time weather updates. Includes exclusive tools for MoES members like e-resources, INDAS database, and automated library services.

4. BIMSTEC Centre for Weather and Climate (BCWC)

Objective: To promote regional cooperation among BIMSTEC countries in weather prediction and climate modelling.
Key Features: Focuses on capacity building, enhancing observing systems, and delivering applied research products. Activities include training, workshops, and regional collaboration.

5. International Training Centre for Operational Oceanography (ITCOocean)

Objective: To develop skilled professionals in operational oceanography for the Indian Ocean Rim and other developing regions.
Key Features: Offers short- and long-term courses on oceanographic data management, forecasting, and shipboard training. Emphasizes global excellence in multidisciplinary oceanography.

6. Development of Skilled Manpower in Earth System Sciences (DESK)

Objective: To create a multidisciplinary workforce with expertise in Earth system sciences and climate research.
Key Features: Centralized training facility offering JRF/SRF programs, targeted workshops, and courses on climate modelling and Earth processes.

References

Annual Reports | Ministry Of Earth Sciences. (n.d.). https://moes.gov.in/documents/annual-reports
Home | Ministry Of Earth Sciences. (n.d.). https://moes.gov.in/

About the Contributor– Meenu Mohan is a Research Intern at the Impact and Policy Research Institute, and holds a BSMS Degree in Mathematics from IISER, Bhopal.

Acknowledgment– The author extends sincere thanks to Dr. Arjun Kumar, Aasthaba Jadeja, Avi Sharma, and Devananda.