The Prithvi Vigyan (Prithvi) scheme, a comprehensive initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has been approved by the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With an investment of Rs 4,797 crore over the period of 2021 to 2026, this scheme is set to revolutionize India’s approach to earth science research and application. The Prithvi scheme integrates five existing sub-schemes with a focus on enhancing our understanding of the Earth’s vital signs, developing predictive models for weather and climate hazards, and exploring the polar regions and high seas.
The primary objective of the Prithvi scheme is to augment and sustain long-term observations across various components of the Earth system, including the atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth. By doing so, it will enable the recording and monitoring of the Earth system’s vital signs and changes. Additionally, the scheme aims to develop predictive models for weather, ocean, and climate hazards, advancing the understanding of climate change science.
One of the key aspects of the Prithvi scheme is the exploration of the polar regions and high seas. This exploration aims to discover new phenomena and resources, while also emphasizing the development of technology for the sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources for societal applications.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) is responsible for providing critical services related to weather, climate, ocean and coastal states, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards. These services play a crucial role in issuing forecasts, warnings, and alerts for various natural disasters, aiding in disaster preparedness and risk mitigation.
The Prithvi scheme will address the holistic study of Earth System Sciences, including the atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. It aims to improve our understanding of these components and provide reliable services to the country. Integrated research and development efforts across different MoES institutes will tackle grand challenges in weather, climate, oceanography, cryospheric studies, and seismology, exploring sustainable ways to harness both living and non-living resources.
The approval of the Prithvi Vigyan scheme marks a significant milestone in India’s Earth science research and reinforces the importance of understanding and monitoring our planet’s vital signs. Through this initiative, India seeks to contribute to scientific knowledge and practical applications that benefit society, the environment, and the economy. With a focus on long-term observations, predictive models, and exploration of uncharted territories, the Prithvi scheme is poised to make a lasting impact in the field of Earth sciences.
