The area of our Exclusive
Economic Zone is over 2 million sq. km. abound with various living and
non-living resources. This new programme entails scientific
mapping of this area to have an inventory of potential resources and to
identify the causes of hazards. The study would help to develop innovative
concepts on:
·
Submarine fans and their role on accumulation of
hydrocarbons
·
Submarine canyons and their role in transport and
distribution on pollutants.
·
Islands- understanding of submarine landslides and
stability of coastlines.
·
Sedimentary processes- effect on fisheries and
biogeochemical cycling.
·
Sediment failure along slopes and their effects on
communication cable links across the seafloor.
·
Tectonics of margins.
Bathymetric survey will be initiated
with the acquisition and installation of equipment.
The main output of the program will be the comprehensive bathymetric map of the exclusive economic zone of India. The entire data may not be commercial made available as it will be sensitive from the defense angle. However, possibility of making the data in parts, available commercially does exist. Specifically-
ü For pipe line laying routes to petroleum and natural gas industry.
ü For selecting suitable areas for waste disposal and dumping- for coastal industries, atomic energy stations etc.
ü For offshore constructions- platforms etc. for ONGC or other similar organisations.
ü Cable routing for telecommunication industry.
ü Fish habitat zones for fishing industry.
ü Seafloor sediment characteristics for offshore mining industries.
ü Finally, the expertise gained from the program (Intellectual property) can be made available commercially to other neighbouring countries, island nations, etc. for mapping their EEZ for similar applications.
Present EEZ of