Cabinet approves PRITHVI scheme to boost Earth Science Research

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government has introduced an ambitious initiative called PRITHVI (PRITHvi VIgyan). This comprehensive scheme is administered by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

PRITHVI stands for “Promoting Research in Earth Systems Science, Technology, & Human Resource Development”.

With a substantial budget of Rs. 4,797 crore, the program extends from 2021 to 2026, ushering in a new era in the study and understanding of Earth sciences in India.

This initiative includes five ongoing sub-schemes, namely

• “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),” and
• “Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT).”

Objectives of PRITHVI Scheme

The PRITHVI scheme has defined objectives aimed at transforming our comprehension and interaction with various Earth systems. These objectives include:

1. Augmentation and Sustainment of Long-Term Observations: Enhancing and maintaining continuous observations of the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth to document the essential signs of the Earth System and its changes.

2. Development of Modelling Systems: Creating modeling systems to comprehend and forecast weather, ocean conditions, and climate hazards, as well as advancing the understanding of climate change science.

3. Exploration of Polar and High Seas Regions: Venturing into unexplored polar and high seas areas to uncover new phenomena and resources.

4. Technology Development for Oceanic Exploration: Innovating technology for the exploration and sustainable utilization of oceanic resources for societal applications.

5. Translation of Knowledge: Converting insights and knowledge from Earth systems science into practical services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit.

Role of Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)

The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) plays a crucial role in this initiative, translating scientific knowledge into valuable services for society. These services include

• weather forecasts and warnings,
• alerts for natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and
• tsunamis, earthquake monitoring, and more.

The MoES’s efforts in this regard have been instrumental in saving lives and reducing property damage during natural disasters.

PRITHVI scheme

The comprehensive PRITHVI scheme is designed to address all five components of the Earth system holistically.

• Its objective is to enhance the understanding of Earth System Sciences and deliver reliable services for the country.

Earth System Sciences deal with all the five components of the earth system: atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere and their complex interactions.

R&D and operational (services) activities will be carried by Ten institutes

The research and development as well as operational services of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) are carried out by ten institutes. These include

1. India Meteorological Department (IMD),
2. National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF),
3. Centre for Marine Living Resources and Ecology (CMLRE),
4. National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR),
5. National Centre for Seismology (NCS),
6. National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT),
7. Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS) in Hyderabad,
8. National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa,
9. Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune, and
10. National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS).

In conclusion, the PRITHVI scheme marks a substantial advancement in the field of Earth sciences in India.

• It not only deepens our understanding of Earth’s intricate systems but also ensures the translation of this knowledge into practical applications for societal benefit.
• With its comprehensive approach and robust framework, PRITHVI is poised to leave a lasting impact on how we engage with and comprehend our planet.

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