Harsh Vardhan launches coastal research vessel ‘Sagar Anveshika’

at 12:13 pm
Sagar Anveshika

New Delhi (NVI): Union Science and Technology Minister Harsh Vardhan has launched Coastal Research Vessel (CRV) ‘Sagar Anveshika’ which will enhance India’s capacity to acquire marine scientific data.

Equipped with state-of-the-art equipment, Sagar Anveshika is capable of supporting multidisciplinary research in various fields e.g. marine biogeochemistry, physical oceanography especially coastal pollution, marine biota’s impact on climate change, assessment of marine resources, etc, according to the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The CRV, launched at Chennai Port yesterday, is the sixth research vessel under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. While speaking on the occasion, Harsh Vardhan said that there are enormous socio-economic benefits to be reaped through a better understanding of ocean systems and processes.

“The government led by Hon’ble PM Sh @narendramodi Ji is in the final stages of launching an ambitious deep ocean mission to help harness the ocean’s vast potential,” he said in a tweet.

India has one of the best weather forecasting systems in the world, providing accurate advisories to multiple stakeholders, Vardhan said.

“Investments in National Monsoon Mission & HPCs of Ministry of Earth Sciences have provided estimated benefits of Rs 50,000 cr to our farmers, fisherfolk & livestock rearers,” he said.

He said that India has come a long way from 2004, when the tsunami caught it unaware. “Today we have a state-of-the-art Tsunami Early warning System providing tsunami advisories to many Indian Ocean rim countries as well. Our timely and accurate cyclone predictions have helped save many lives,” he added.

He said that Sagar Anveshika is equipped with advanced navigation systems as well as research and exploration apparatus.

“Enhancing multidisciplinary oceanographic research along the Indian coast, it’ll deepen our understanding of the ocean & help harness its enormous potential,” the Minister said in another tweet.

-ARK