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Rs 4,797 Crore PRITHVI Scheme – Consolidating Earth Science Research in India
What is the PRITHVI scheme?
The Union Cabinet of India, recently approved the PRITHVI Vigyan (Science) scheme as an umbrella initiative. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) allocates it a total budget of Rs 4,797 crore for a 5-year duration from 2021 to 2026. The key objective is to consolidate and integrate multiple existing sub-schemes related to atmospheric, oceanic, and earth sciences under one overarching scheme for a comprehensive approach.
Approved budget and timeline
The PRITHVI scheme has a sanctioned budget outlay of approximately Rs 4,800 crore over this 5-year timeline spanning 2021-2026. The scheme aims to continue the research momentum in atmospheric, oceanic and earth system domains in the country through 2026 via integrated and multi-disciplinary efforts.
Components and Focus Areas of PRITHVI scheme
Scheme Name | Sub-Schemes Included |
---|---|
PRITHVI | Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS), Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART), Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER), Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE), Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT) |
Five sub-schemes unified under PRITHVI
The PRITHVI scheme brings together 5 existing sub-schemes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences into one consolidated program – ACROSS for atmosphere and climate research, O-SMART for oceans, PACER for poles and cryosphere, SAGE for seismology and geosciences, and REACHOUT for research outreach.
The 5 consolidated sub-schemes under PRITHVI have specific research mandates aligned to Ministry of Earth Sciences charter – ACROSS studies weather systems, climate change and monsoon patterns; O-SMART focuses on ocean observations, modeling and technology development; PACER explores polar regions and cryosphere; SAGE monitors seismic activities and underground resources; REACHOUT manages research outreach programs.
Emphasis on comprehensive Earth observations
A major focus area of PRITHVI is long-term monitoring and observation of different components of the Earth system including the atmosphere, oceans, land, ice, and biosphere. It aims to continuously record Earth’s vital signs and track changes occurring in climatic and geophysical parameters over extended time periods.
Development of predictive models
By leveraging insights from continuous Earth observations, PRITHVI objectives include building predictive models to forecast hazardous weather events, map future climate scenarios and develop early warning systems for disasters – improving prediction accuracy for cyclones, storm surges, floods and heat waves.
Implementing Agency and Scope for PRITHVI scheme
Role and responsibilities of Ministry of Earth Sciences
The Government of India mandates the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) as the nodal implementing agency for the PRITHVI scheme to carry out integrated research and provide services related to weather, climate, ocean states, seismology and natural hazards.
Broad scope encompassing atmosphere, oceans, land, ice, and biosphere
The scope of PRITHVI scheme covers all major earth system domains – the atmosphere, hydrosphere (oceans), geosphere (land), cryosphere (ice) and biosphere (ecosystems) in line with its charter. It takes a holistic approach to understand the complex interactions between these spheres at multiple time and spatial scales through extensive observations, modeling and scientific exploration.
Expected Impact of PRITHVI scheme
Enhanced understanding of Earth systems
A major expected outcome of the PRITHVI scheme is an improved understanding of the components constituting the Earth system including the atmosphere, oceans, cryosphere, land and biosphere as well their complex interactions and behavior as a collective dynamic unit over multiple timescales.
Reliable services for society, environment, and economy
The continuous scientific observations, modeling research and exploration carried out under the scheme will help provide reliable meteorological, oceanographic and hazard warning services to the society. PRITHVI also aims to develop services for sustainable utilization of ocean resources supporting the economy.
Addressing major challenges like climate change
With increased frequency of extreme weather events and shifting climate patterns, PRITHVI scientific programs seek to address such challenges by advancing fundamental understanding of atmosphere and ocean processes driving climate change along with developing robust early warning systems.
What is Earth System Sciences
Earth System Sciences involve the integrated study of different spheres of the planet including the atmosphere, hydrosphere (water), cryosphere (ice), geosphere (land) and biosphere (living organisms). It focuses on understanding their individual properties as well inter-dependencies through exchanges of energy, water and biochemical cycles.
What is the budget for PRITHVI scheme?
The total approved budget for the PRITHVI scheme spanning 2021-2026 is Rs 4,797 crore.
What are the expected benefits of PRITHVI scheme?
Expected benefits are improved understanding of earth systems, reliable services for society, economy and environment, and addressing major challenges like climate change.
Which ministry is implementing the PRITHVI scheme?
The Ministry of Earth Sciences is the nodal ministry implementing the PRITHVI scheme.
What is the timeline of the PRITHVI scheme?
The PRITHVI scheme is approved for a 5-year duration from 2021 through 2026.