As pressure on land-based resources mounts, India is setting its sights on the vast potential of the ocean. The Deep Ocean Mission, or Samudrayaan, signifies a multi-pronged approach to tapping the Blue Economy in India. This includes exploring and utilizing both living (biodiversity) and non-living (minerals) resources sustainably. The mission encompasses crucial areas like developing tools for climate change prediction, exploring renewable energy generation possibilities, and establishing underwater research labs to understand and utilize marine life responsibly.
This editorial is based on “Plumbing the depths to scale the heights” which was published in Economics Times on 12/07/2024. The article highlights India’s initiatives in deep-sea exploration through the Deep Ocean Mission for sustainable use of marine resources while balancing ecological conservation and geopolitical competition.
The topic of India’s Blue Economy is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it covers key areas in the General Studies syllabus, such as Government Policies, Environmental Conservation, and Economic Development. Understanding this topic will help aspirants answer questions related to sustainable development, resource management, and India’s strategic initiatives.
The Deep Ocean Mission is a crucial topic for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon multiple dimensions of the Blue Economy, including sustainable resource utilization, marine biodiversity, and geopolitical competition. The mission’s focus on innovative technologies and ecological conservation directly links to previous UPSC questions on environmental policies and the Blue Revolution, providing aspirants with contemporary insights and practical examples for their Mains answers.
As pressure on land-based resources mounts, India is setting its sights on the vast potential of the ocean. The Deep Ocean Mission, or Samudrayaan, signifies a multi-pronged approach to tapping the Blue Economy. This includes exploring and utilizing both living (biodiversity) and non-living (minerals) resources sustainably. The mission encompasses crucial areas like developing tools for climate change prediction, exploring renewable energy generation possibilities, and establishing underwater research labs to understand and utilize marine life responsibly.
However, venturing into the deep blue comes with its own set of challenges. The fragile ocean ecosystem, with vast swathes still unknown, demands a cautious approach. Additionally, the potential for resource extraction raises concerns about the impact on communities dependent on the sea for their livelihoods. India must navigate these challenges by prioritizing sustainable practices and ensuring the responsible development of the Blue Economy.
India’s Blue Economy offers a wealth of opportunities across multiple sectors. The country’s extensive coastline and inland water resources are ripe for developing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Ocean energy, including tidal, wave, and offshore wind power, represents another promising frontier. Marine biotechnology opens avenues for high-value products like drugs and biofuels. Seabed mining provides access to essential minerals, while coastal and cruise tourism can boost local economies. Shipbuilding and ship recycling promise employment and environmental benefits. Desalination technologies address water scarcity, and marine spatial planning ensures balanced development. Finally, deep-sea exploration enhances research capabilities.
India’s coastline and extensive inland water resources present significant opportunities for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture development. The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) is revolutionizing the sector by promoting technology-driven, sustainable practices. This initiative aims to increase fish production, improve livelihoods, and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine resources.
India’s coastline offers immense potential for harnessing ocean energy, including tidal, wave, and offshore wind power. IIT Madras deploying a wave energy generator off the Tamil Nadu coast is a significant step forward. The government’s target of installing 30GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 underscores the sector’s potential. These renewable energy sources can contribute significantly to India’s energy mix.
The exploration of India’s marine biodiversity for biotechnological applications presents a frontier of immense potential. This sector offers opportunities for developing novel drugs, nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and biofuels. By investing in marine biotechnology, India can position itself as a leader in this emerging field, driving innovation and creating high-value products that benefit both health and industry.
The Government of India currently holds two contracts for exploration in the Indian Ocean. The first is for exploration of polymetallic nodules in the Central Indian Ocean Basin. The second is for the exploration of polymetallic sulfides in the Indian Ocean Ridge. This presents a significant opportunity to secure critical minerals like copper, nickel, cobalt, and manganese, essential for emerging technologies and renewable energy systems.
The development of coastal and cruise tourism offers substantial economic benefits for India’s coastal regions. The Sagarmala program’s plans for developing cruise terminals at major ports like Mumbai and Cochin aim to tap into the growing global cruise market. This sector can create diverse employment opportunities, from hospitality to local handicrafts, while also promoting cultural exchange and regional development.
India’s ₹4,000 crore subsidy scheme to promote shipbuilding presents opportunities not only in new ship construction but also in developing environmentally friendly ship recycling practices. The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019, positions India to become a global leader in sustainable ship recycling. This sector can generate significant employment, boost exports, and contribute to the development of ancillary industries.
With growing water scarcity issues, India’s focus on developing cost-effective desalination technologies is timely. The Low-Temperature Thermal Desalination (LTTD) plant in Lakshadweep, developed by NIOT, showcases India’s capability in indigenous desalination technology. This sector offers opportunities for addressing domestic water needs, especially in coastal and island regions, while also positioning India as an exporter of desalination technology to other water-stressed nations.
Implementing comprehensive marine spatial planning is crucial for balancing economic activities with conservation efforts in India’s maritime zones. The Blue Flag certification program, under which many Indian beaches like Shivrajpur (Dwarka, Gujarat) and Ghoghla (Diu) are certified, exemplifies efforts towards sustainable coastal development. This planning ensures that economic activities do not compromise the health of marine ecosystems.
The Deep Ocean Mission, launched in 2021, marks India’s ambitious foray into deep-sea exploration. The development of a manned submersible vehicle, the MATSYA 6000, capable of reaching 6,000 meters depth, will significantly enhance India’s deep-sea research capabilities. This mission aims to explore the unknown depths of the ocean, unlocking new resources and scientific knowledge.
India faces several challenges in developing its Blue Economy. Environmental degradation and biodiversity loss threaten marine ecosystems. Overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices endanger fish stocks. Climate change and sea-level rise pose significant risks to coastal regions. Marine debris, particularly plastic waste, pollutes oceans. Balancing economic development with conservation is complex. Maritime security and piracy disrupt activities. Limited research and development hinder innovation. Addressing these challenges requires comprehensive strategies and sustainable practices.
India’s marine ecosystems are under severe stress due to pollution and unsustainable development. Over 65% of the coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and the Middle East are under stress by local threats. The Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest, is losing about 16 sq km annually due to sea-level rise and coastal erosion. This biodiversity loss threatens not only ecosystems but also the livelihoods of millions dependent on marine resources.
India’s fisheries sector, while crucial for food security and employment, faces the challenge of overfishing. According to a 2022 study by the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI), 8.2% of India’s 135 assessed fish stocks were overfished, while 4.4% were subject to overfishing. Destructive fishing practices like bottom trawling further exacerbate the problem, threatening marine biodiversity and fish populations.
Rising sea levels and increasing frequency of extreme weather events pose significant threats to India’s coastal regions. The Ministry of Earth Sciences predicts that a 3 cm sea level rise could cause the sea to intrude inland by about 17 meters. This threatens coastal infrastructure, agriculture, and livelihoods. Cyclone Amphan in 2020 caused damages worth USD 13.5 billion, showcasing the vulnerability of coastal areas to climate-induced disasters.
Marine pollution, particularly plastic waste, is a major challenge. India generates about 9.46 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, of which a significant portion ends up in the oceans. Microplastics are now found in marine food chains, posing risks to both marine life and human health. Addressing this issue requires comprehensive waste management strategies and public awareness campaigns to reduce plastic usage.
Striking a balance between exploiting marine resources for economic gain and conserving marine ecosystems is a significant challenge. The proposed Great Nicobar Island transshipment port project has faced criticism for its potential impact on pristine rainforests and coral reefs. Sustainable development requires careful planning and regulation to ensure that economic activities do not harm the environment.
Ensuring maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is crucial for the blue economy. Piracy and transnational crimes pose significant challenges to this. The IMB annual report recorded 120 incidents of maritime piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2023, highlighting the persistent security challenges. Enhancing maritime security measures is essential to protect economic interests and ensure safe navigation.
Despite having several oceanographic research institutions, India’s investment in marine R&D remains limited compared to other maritime nations. This affects the country’s ability to innovate in areas like marine biotechnology and ocean energy. India’s expenditure on research is less than 1% of its total R&D budget, significantly lower than countries like China and the US. Increased investment in research is necessary to drive technological advancements.
India can adopt several measures to ensure the sustainable development of its Blue Economy. Implementing sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management, integrated coastal zone management, and marine pollution control is essential. Enhancing maritime security and surveillance, skill development, and research in marine technology are crucial. Coastal disaster risk reduction and resilience building will protect coastal communities. These actions will promote economic growth while preserving marine ecosystems.
India must implement a comprehensive fisheries management plan to address overfishing and promote sustainable practices. This should include strict enforcement of fishing quotas and seasonal bans, promotion of sustainable aquaculture techniques like recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), and introduction of traceability systems for fish products. The success of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification for the Ashtamudi short-necked clam fishery in Kerala demonstrates the potential for sustainable fishing practices in India.
A holistic approach to coastal management is essential, balancing development needs with environmental conservation. This involves implementing strict regulations on coastal construction and pollution, promoting nature-based solutions for coastal protection such as mangrove restoration, and engaging local communities in conservation efforts through eco-tourism and alternative livelihood programs. The Integrated Coastal Zone Management Project (ICZMP) in states like Gujarat and Odisha has shown success in this area and can serve as a model for nationwide implementation.
Combating marine pollution requires a multi-pronged strategy focusing on both prevention and cleanup. This includes enforcing strict regulations on industrial effluent discharge, improving urban wastewater treatment infrastructure in coastal cities, and implementing extended producer responsibility (EPR) for plastic packaging. Promoting circular economy initiatives for marine plastic waste, such as the Ocean Recovery Alliance’s Plastics Disclosure Project, can significantly reduce pollution while creating economic opportunities.
Enhancing maritime security is crucial for protecting India’s blue economy interests. This involves upgrading coastal surveillance systems with AI-powered drones and satellite monitoring to combat illegal fishing, piracy, and transboundary crimes. Strengthening the capabilities of the Indian Coast Guard and Navy, and improving coordination among various maritime agencies is essential. The Information Fusion Centre – Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR) is a step in the right direction for enhancing maritime domain awareness.
Addressing the skill gap in maritime sectors is vital for India’s blue economy ambitions. Launching a comprehensive skill development program targeting various blue economy sectors, including offshore energy, marine biotechnology, and sustainable fisheries, is necessary. The Sagarmala program’s component on coastal community development provides a framework that can be expanded for nationwide skill development initiatives, ensuring a skilled workforce for the future.
Boosting research and innovation in marine technology is essential for India to compete globally in the blue economy sector. This requires increased investment in oceanographic research institutions, promoting collaboration between academia and industry, and establishing innovation hubs in coastal cities. The Technology and Innovation in Exploration and Mining of Deep-sea Resources (TEM) program by the Ministry of Earth Sciences is a step in this direction that can be further expanded to drive advancements in marine technology.
Enhancing coastal resilience to natural disasters and climate change impacts is essential for protecting lives and livelihoods in coastal areas. This involves developing comprehensive coastal hazard maps, implementing nature-based solutions for coastal protection such as mangrove restoration, and strengthening early warning systems for extreme weather events. The National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project provides a framework that can be expanded to address a broader range of coastal hazards and climate change impacts.
| Political: Government initiatives like the Deep Ocean Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) demonstrate political commitment to harnessing ocean resources. However, maritime security and policies around sustainable practices require continuous political attention. Economic: Significant opportunities for economic growth are identified in sustainable fisheries, ocean energy, and marine biotechnology. Investments in shipbuilding and marine spatial planning also suggest potential boosts to GDP and employment. Social: Development of coastal and cruise tourism, along with skill development programs in maritime sectors, can lead to enhanced social welfare. Conversely, balancing local community interests with large-scale projects remains a challenge. Technological: Advances in marine technology, like wave energy generators and deep-sea exploration tools (e.g., MATSYA 6000), are pivotal. Continued investment in R&D is essential for sustaining technological momentum and innovation. Environmental: The strategy emphasizes environmental conservation through sustainable fisheries management and marine pollution control. However, challenges like overfishing, marine debris, and the vulnerability of ecosystems like the Sundarbans to climate change highlight the ongoing environmental risks. Legal: Legal frameworks supporting the Recycling of Ships Act and regulations on marine pollution are crucial. Yet, the need for robust laws to prevent overfishing and manage maritime security concerns remains critical. |
Blue Economy in India holds immense promise for sustainable growth and development. The Deep Ocean Mission and related initiatives highlight the nation’s commitment to responsibly harnessing marine resources. However, achieving this vision demands balancing economic ambitions with ecological stewardship. As future civil servants, understanding these dynamics and advocating for sustainable policies will be crucial in shaping India’s maritime future.
| UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) Mains Q. How is the Blue Economy an emerging concept in India? Discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with the Blue Economy. (GS Paper III, 2022). Q. Explain the provisions of the Recycling of Ships Act, 2019. Discuss its impact on the ship recycling industry in India and its alignment with international standards. What are the challenges faced in implementing this act, and how can they be overcome to promote sustainable maritime practices? |
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