PRITHVI (Prithvi Vigyan) Scheme

The PRITHVI (Prithvi Vigyan) scheme is a comprehensive, central sector umbrella initiative formulated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). It streamlines earth science research, climate modeling, and disaster warning systems across India. The scheme synchronizes distinct sub-schemes to create a unified approach toward studying the planet’s interconnected spheres.

Structural Framework and Administrative Setup

Core Financial and Temporal Parameters

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Funding Pattern: 100% Central Sector Scheme fully funded by the Government of India.
• Implementation Period: Enforced for the financial cycle spanning 2021 to 2026.
• Total Fiscal Outlay: Allocated an aggregate budget of Rs. 4,797 crore.

Integrated Five-Sphere Approach

The scheme is structured to holistically monitor and decode the dynamic processes of five structural components of the Earth system:

• Atmosphere: Atmospheric dynamics, weather patterns, and gaseous composition layers.
• Hydrosphere: Oceanic currents, sea surface conditions, and liquid water networks.
• Geosphere: Earth’s crust, mantle dynamics, and deep sub-surface topography.
• Cryosphere: Glacial assets, ice sheets, permafrost, and polar geography.
• Biosphere: Marine living resources, ecosystems, and biological interactions with the physical environment.

The Five Sub-Schemes under the PRITHVI Umbrella

The scheme unifies five pre-existing operational frameworks into a single administrative domain to remove scientific siloing and improve data integration.

1. ACROSS (Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services)

• Objective: Upgrading the accuracy of weather, climate, and environmental forecasts.
• Core Activities: Installation of advanced Doppler Weather Radars (DWRs), deployment of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), and execution of specialized programs like the Monsoon Mission.
• Technological Drivers: Runs the Bharat Forecasting System (Bharat FS) global model operating at an advanced resolution of approximately 6 kilometers.

2. O-SMART (Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology)

• Objective: Generating real-time ocean state advisories and developing sustainable marine technologies.
• Core Activities: Disseminating Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) advisories, operating early warning systems for ocean hazards like storm surges and Tsunamis, and maintaining specialized research vessels.
• Key Targets: Conducting deep-sea resource explorations and establishing the foundations for India’s national Blue Economy framework.

3. PACER (Polar Science and Cryosphere Research)

• Objective: Leading scientific research campaigns and logistical operations across polar regions and high-altitude mountain chains.
• Core Activities: Managing India’s annual expeditions to the Arctic, Antarctica, and the third pole (the Himalayas).
• Base Infrastructures: Maintenance and operation of India’s permanent polar research stations: Bharati and Maitri in Antarctica, and Himadri in the Arctic.

4. SAGE (Seismology and Geosciences)

• Objective: Monitoring earthquake activities and decoding the structural dynamics of the solid Earth.
• Core Activities: Maintaining the National Seismological Network to spot earthquakes of magnitude 3.0 and above, mapping tectonic fault zones, and implementing seismic microzonation for vulnerable urban centers.

5. REACHOUT (Research, Education, Training and Outreach)

• Objective: Developing skilled human capital and promoting collaborative research in Earth System Sciences.
• Core Activities: Funding academic research projects, organizing international scientific exchanges, and running operational meteorology training modules for institutional personnel.

Operational Infrastructure and Executing Institutes

The R&D and field service mandates under the PRITHVI framework are distributed across ten specialized autonomous and attached institutes under MoES.

Specific Delivery Milestones and Societal Benefits

Early Warning and Disaster Preparedness

• Hazard Advisories: Provisioning of advanced storm surge warnings, heatwave predictions, lightning alerts, and Small Vessel Advisories to save lives along coastal and interior belts.
• Seismic Microzonation: Completed detailed seismic vulnerability mapping for 12 major Indian cities to inform structural building codes and urban planning.

Applied Ocean Services

• Fisheries Support: Dissemination of localized advisories to over 40 lakh fishermen daily, pointing out high-yield fishing zones to minimize fuel consumption and transit times.
• Digital Ocean Twin: Development of a multi-parameter digital simulation framework of the Indian Ocean to model oil spill trajectories and simulate marine ecosystem responses.

UPSC Prelims Pointers and Distinction from Related Initiatives

Difference from Mission Mausam

While both fall under MoES, Mission Mausam is a specialized initiative focused specifically on weather modification technologies, radical accuracy upgrades in cloud physics, and next-generation radar installations. PRITHVI serves as the broad, institutional umbrella scheme covering all long-term physical, cryospheric, geological, and oceanic operations of the ministry.

Inter-dependent Project Vetting

Unlike ad-hoc scientific grants, international collaborations or major research projects funded under the REACHOUT component are routed through a dedicated Joint Expert Committee under MoES. This group checks each proposal for strategic alignment with national climate goals before authorizing fund releases.