Deep Ocean Mission: Samudrayaan and Blue Economy

TOPIC CLASSIFICATION

Subject: Science & Technology Sub-area: Oceanography / Deep Sea Technology Prelim PYQ Trend: Low-Moderate (key facts tested) Mains Relevance: GS-3 (Science & Tech, Economy, Environment)

EXAMINER REASONING

Deep Ocean Mission is India's high-profile oceanic research programme — UPSC interest is growing. The examiner tests: (a) objectives — deep sea mining (polymetallic nodules), biodiversity, manned submersible (Samudrayaan); (b) technology — Matsya-6000 submersible, deep-sea drilling, ROVs; (c) economic significance — polymetallic nodules (Mn, Ni, Cu, Co), rare earth elements; (d) Blue Economy — India's draft policy, contribution to GDP, coastal livelihoods; (e) environmental concerns — seabed mining impact, ISA (International Seabed Authority) regulations. Expect questions linking deep ocean to India's resource security.

Core Concept

Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

• Launched: 2021 (Phase I: 2021-26, ₹4,077 crore)
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Six Pillars: (1) Deep-sea manned submersible, (2) Polymetallic nodule mining, (3) Deep-sea biodiversity, (4) Ocean climate change advisory, (5) Deep-sea survey and exploration, (6) Marine energy and desalination

Samudrayaan — Manned Submersible Mission:

• Submersible: MATSYA 6000 — can carry 3 persons to 6,000 metre depth
• Endurance: 12-16 hours under normal operation; 96 hours emergency
• Materials: Titanium alloy hull (for extreme pressure)
• Capabilities: Scientific observation, sample collection (sediment, rock, water), photographs/video
• Status: Design completed; sea trials at 500m depth by 2024; target 6,000m by 2026
• India becomes: 6th country (with US, Russia, France, Japan, China) to have manned deep-sea submersible capability

Polymetallic Nodules (Manganese Nodules):

• Found in CCZ (Clarion-Clipperton Zone) in Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB)
• India has been allocated 75,000 sq km in CIOB by ISA for exploration
• Nodule composition: Mn (27%), Ni (1.3%), Cu (1.1%), Co (0.2%) — critical for EV batteries
• Technology: Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) for collection; vertical transport system; riser system
• Status: India has test-mined 10 tonnes/day capacity; full-scale production yet to commence

Blue Economy:

• Definition: Sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and ocean ecosystem health