PRITHVI Scheme to Advance India’s Earth System Sciences

January 6, 2024

The Indian government under Prime Minister Modi has approved the Prithvi Vigyan scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences representing planned investments of Rs 4797 crores from 2021 to 2026. This all-encompassing initiative promises to transform the country’s approach towards earth science research and real-world applications.

Consolidation of 5 Sub-Schemes

PRITHVI brings together 5 existing earth science sub-schemes under MOES: ATMOSPHERE, OCEAN, CRYOSPHERE, SEISMIC & CAPACITY BUILDING – thereby enabling synergies. It integrates the following subschemes:

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)
Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)

These programs collectively aim to enhance our understanding of the Earth’s vital signs and translate scientific knowledge into practical services that benefit society, the environment, and the economy.

Objectives of the Scheme

One of the primary objectives of Prithvi is:

To sustain long-term observations of atmosphere, ocean, land, ice covers to record earth’s vital signals
To develop predictive models forecasting weather and ocean hazards like cyclones
To explore relatively less understood polar and marine areas for new discoveries
To build technology for tapping ocean resources sustainably