PM Modi greenlights PRITHVI scheme to better understand Earth, predict natural disasters

In a significant move, the Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has given the nod to the comprehensive “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, as per a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau. The overarching objectives of the PRITHVI scheme are ambitious and include enhancing and sustaining long-term observations of the Earth’s atmosphere, ocean, geosphere, cryosphere, and solid earth. The scheme also focuses on developing modelling systems for understanding and predicting weather, ocean, and climate hazards, exploring polar and high-seas regions for new phenomena and resources, and creating technology for the sustainable harnessing of oceanic resources. Furthermore, the initiative seeks to translate knowledge and insights from Earth systems science into services for societal, environmental, and economic benefit. The Ministry of Earth Sciences is responsible for transforming the learnings of various systems, into services for society and providing crucial services related to weather, climate, ocean, coastal state, hydrology, seismology, and natural hazards. These services, including weather forecasts and warnings for natural disasters, are actively used by various agencies and state governments to save lives and minimize property damage. The PRITHVI Initiative will span 5 years and include 5 sub-schemes, some of which have been implemented since 2021. The union cabinet has also approved the allocation of Rs 4,797 crore for the scheme. The 5 sub-schemes that fall under PRITHVI include:

• ACROSS, or the Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services or ACROSS
• O-SMART, or the Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology
• PACER, or the Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)
• SAGE or the Seismology and Geosciences
• REACHOUT or the Research, Education, Training and Outreach

The Ministry’s research and development activities are carried out by ten institutes, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), and Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), among others, the statement by Press Information Bureau read. The various programmes or sub-schemes under PRITHVI are interdependent and integrated and should improve the understanding of Earth System Sciences, in a holistic manner. It aims to address challenges related to weather, climate, ocean, cryosphere, seismological science, and sustainable harnessing of living and non-living resources through integrated multi-disciplinary research and innovative programs across different Ministry of Earth Sciences institutes, as per the statement. The initiative should play a pivotal role in advancing earth science research and ensuring reliable services for the nation.