Context
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the continuation of an umbrella scheme called “Ocean Services, Modelling, Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)” for the period of 2021-26.
What is O-SMART scheme?
- The O-SMART is a government scheme, launched on August 29, 2018 with the aim of promoting ocean research and setting early warning weather systems.
- This scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- This multidisciplinary continuing scheme aims to address ocean development activities like technology, services, science, resources, and observations.
- It also aims at addressing ocean development activities such as technology, services, resources, science, and observations as well as offering required technological assistance for implementing aspects of the Blue Economy.
- It comprises seven sub-schemes which are being implemented by autonomous institutes of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
- Ocean Technology
- Ocean Modelling and Advisory Services (OMAS)
- Ocean Observation Network (OON)
- Ocean Non-Living Resources
- Marine Living Resources and Ecology (MLRE)
- Coastal Research
- Operation and Maintenance of Research Vessels.
Significance of the scheme
- It will augment the capacity building of the nation at the international-level in the oceanographic field through extensive research and technology development activities.
- This scheme will provide further comprehensive coverage by strengthening ongoing activities to deliver cutting edge technology which will be applicable for marine domain, understanding biodiversity towards conservation strategy, forecast & warning services etc in next five years.
