The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs recently approved the continuation of the ‘Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology’ (O-SMART) scheme for the period of 2021-26. This decision highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to promoting ocean research, implementing early warning weather systems, and advancing the Blue Economy.
About O-SMART
The O-SMART scheme is a government initiative launched in August 2018. Its primary goal is to enhance ocean development activities across various domains including technology, services, resources, science, and observations. It also provides necessary technological assistance for aspects related to the Blue Economy.
The scheme comprises seven sub-schemes, all of which are being implemented by autonomous institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). These include Ocean Technology, Ocean Modelling and Advisory Services (OSMAS), Ocean Observation Network (OON), Ocean Non-Living Resources, Marine Living Resources and Ecology (MLRE), Coastal Research, and Operation Maintenance of Research Vessels.
Key Objectives of O-SMART
The O-SMART scheme aims to achieve several essential objectives, starting with generating and regularly updating information on Marine Living Resources and their relationship with the physical environment in the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
It also periodically checks seawater pollutant levels to assess the health of India’s coastal waters and develops shoreline change maps for evaluating coastal erosion due to natural and anthropogenic activities. An important aspect of the scheme is the development of a range of state-of-the-art ocean observation systems to acquire real-time data from seas around India.
The scheme focuses on generating and circulating user-oriented ocean information, advisories, warnings, and data for the benefit of society. It also works on developing high-resolution models for ocean forecast and reanalysis systems as well as algorithms for validating satellite data for coastal research.
Significant Activities under O-SMART
Under the scheme, several instrumental activities are being carried out. These include acquisition of Coastal Research Vessels (CRVs) for coastal pollution monitoring and testing various underwater components.
Other tasks involve developing technologies to tap marine bioresources, generating freshwater and ocean energy, and creating underwater vehicles and technologies. The establishment of a Ballast water treatment facility is another significant activity undertaken within this scheme. It also includes exploration of Polymetallic Nodules from a depth of 5500 m in an area allotted to India by the United Nations in the Central Indian Ocean Basin.
Significance of O-SMART
The O-SMART scheme significantly contributes towards capacity building in India’s oceanographic field at the international level. It aids in strengthening India’s Blue Economy policy through efficient and sustainable use of ocean resources.
Moreover, it supports ongoing activities to deliver advanced technology for the marine sector, forecast and warning services, understanding marine biodiversity, and conservation strategies for marine living organisms. This scheme aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, and marine resources.
Major Milestones Achieved
Major milestones achieved through the O-SMART scheme include India’s recognition as a Pioneer Investor with the International Seabed Authority (ISA) for conducting extensive research on deep-sea mining.
Furthermore, the scheme has enabled India to take a leadership role in implementing the Indian Ocean component of the Global Ocean Observing System in UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC). It’s also allowed for the setup of a state-of-the-art Early Warning System for oceanic disasters at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Service (INCOIS), Hyderabad.