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What Are the Priority Areas for Funding in the Field of Earth Sciences by the Indian Government?

The field of Earth Sciences is pivotal in understanding our planet's climate, weather patterns, natural resources, and disaster management. The Indian Government, recognizing the importance of this field, has allocated significant funding to various projects and research initiatives under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). This article delves into the priority areas for funding in Earth Sciences by the Indian Government, highlighting the key projects and initiatives aimed at advancing our understanding of the Earth.

Priority Areas for Funding

The Indian Government has identified several critical areas in Earth Sciences that require dedicated funding. These areas are crucial for enhancing the country's capabilities in climate modeling, disaster prediction, natural resource assessment, and more. Below are the primary areas of focus:

High-Performance Computing (HPC) for Weather and Climate Services

• The HPC facility, with a capacity of 6.8 PFlops, is being augmented to 21.1 PFlops to enhance weather and climate prediction models. This will significantly improve the accuracy and timeliness of forecasts, aiding in better disaster preparedness and resource management.

Doppler Weather Radars (DWR)

• With 39 Doppler Weather Radars installed across the country, these are critical for real-time weather monitoring. The government plans to expand this network to improve regional weather forecasts, particularly in disaster-prone areas.

Oceanographic Research

• The government has invested in a fleet of six scientific research vessels for oceanographic studies in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean. This research is vital for understanding ocean currents, marine resources, and the impact of climate change on oceans.

Polar and Himalayan Research

• The establishment of year-round research stations in Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Himalayas underscores the government's commitment to studying these critical regions. Research here focuses on climate change, glacial studies, and environmental monitoring.

Atmosphere and Climate Research

• The Atmospheric Research Testbed in Bhopal and the High-Altitude Cloud Physics Laboratory in Mahabaleshwar are pivotal for understanding monsoon processes, cloud formation, and precipitation patterns. These projects are essential for improving agricultural planning and water resource management.

Deep Ocean Mission

• A groundbreaking initiative, the Deep Ocean Mission, involves developing a manned submersible capable of reaching depths of 6000 meters. This mission aims to explore deep-sea resources, biodiversity, and geophysical processes, opening new frontiers in Earth Sciences.

Artificial Intelligence and Remote Sensing

• The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and remote sensing technologies into weather, climate, and ocean forecasting is a priority. These technologies enable more precise predictions and monitoring, helping mitigate the impact of natural disasters and climate change.

Government Budget Allocation

The following table outlines the budgetary allocations for some key Earth Sciences initiatives by the Indian Government for the fiscal year 2024-25: