Union Minister Kiren Rijiju recently unveiled images of a submersible poised to launch for deep-sea resource exploration, primarily focused on minerals. This mission, known as ‘Samudrayaan,’ marks India’s inaugural manned ocean exploration endeavor and is an integral component of the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM). The DOM initiative was conceived by India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and received the green light from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs in June 2021.
The submersible, christened ‘Matsya 6000,’ is under development by the National Institute of Ocean Technology in Chennai (NIOT), a body governed by the MoES. Minister Rijiju enthusiastically shared three images of the submersible via his Twitter platform. He also posted a video in which he engaged with the developers, delving into the submersible’s mechanisms, characteristics, and potential adaptations for deep-sea exploration, which could reach thousands of meters below the water’s surface.
In his social media post, Minister Rijiju conveyed deep appreciation for the dedicated scientists, researchers, and engineers working tirelessly to ensure the success of the Deep Ocean Mission in a sustainable manner.
This mission holds strategic importance as it aligns with the government of India’s blue economy initiatives. The concept of the blue economy revolves around the responsible and sustainable utilization of oceanic resources to foster economic growth and enhance livelihoods.
