Address At The Foundation Day Of The Department Of The Ocean Development

Dynamics of Ocean;

I am delighted to participate in the Foundation Day of the Department of Ocean Development. I greet the organizers, members of the Ocean Development Community and distinguished guests. When I am in the midst of scientists, engineers, planners and policy makers of Ocean Development, I am reminded of my association with the Ocean and Islands in my earlier assignments.

Oceans: The theatre of action

I was born in Rameswaram Island where my father had built a sail boat for conveying passengers from Rameswaram to Danuskodi. Since the sailboat was new and it could carry 40 passengers, it became popular and led to good earning and it was a big resource for my education. One day, suddenly a cyclone brought strong winds of over 100 miles per hour and carried away our boat, along with some of the landmass of Sethukkarai. For nearly three decades, after my education and certain experience, my theatre of action was near the sea. It started with Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) where we launched sounding rockets for carrying out ionospheric and atmospheric structural studies. Then we started the development of SLV-3 in an establishment, which was very close to the Arabian Sea. India?s first SLV was launched from east coast from an Island complex situated in Pulikat Lake. That is how the satellite launch vehicle programme commenced in a big way. Again, when we started missile development, the Chandipur at sea and Wheeler Island in the Bay of Bengal became the theater of action for test firing Agni and Prithivi missiles before induction.

Ocean - a National Treasure

70% area of the Earth is covered by water. India has vast coastline of 7500 km with 2 million sq. km of Exclusive Economic Zone of Indian Ocean. People who live in the coastal area are around 370 million. Considering the vastness of Indian Ocean and its coastline, there is a need to tap its potential for the welfare of human being. Missions have been taken up to understand the Ocean and its resources. As you are aware oceans are extremely important for the social, political and economic development of a nation. Oceans possess living and non-living resources. Poly-metallic nodules in deep waters, placer deposits, heavy sands containing thorium, molybdenum and thorium, deposits of phosphorites and calcite etc., are few examples of nonliving resources. Efforts are being made to locate hydrocarbon resources in deep waters. One of the important resources in the East and West Coast is Methane Hydrate deposits, which are expected to be available at a depth ranging from 400 ? 700 meters below the seabed. Seismic studies have shown high probability of existence of these deposits. I am hearing for more than a decade that there is a National Gas Hydrates Programme, an integrated mission to locate and exploit the Methane Hydrate deposits. It is a complex technological challenge as it involves high-pressure technology transportation and a combined commercial venture. The Department of Ocean Development can take the leadership in getting the precise location of the deposits and also develop the technology needed for extraction so that this vital resource can be used for national wealth generation at the earliest.

Water from Sea

Presently, a new type of demand for seawater is emerging through the establishment of large-scale desalination plants for meeting the drinking water shortage of few large cities of our country. Also, it will be useful to provide drinking water and irrigation water through large-scale desalination plants in the coastal villages and towns. This will reduce the usage of ground water in this region and conserve the ground water availability for interior India where there is severe shortage of water. Also, coastal areas can be developed with large-scale solar power plants, which can provide cheap power to the farmers and fishermen. This power can also be used by the food processing industries for storage and processing of marine foods. Thus, I see a very important role for Department of Ocean Development in promoting sustainable development both at the sea and in our Exclusive Economic Zone and along the ecologically fragile coastal zone and island territories.

Islands ? our wealth

There are a few habited and large number of uninhabited islands of India in the Bay of Bengal and Arabian Sea. There is a need to continuously update our island boundaries and their dynamically changing contents. These islands can be characterized into three types: (1) Islands of strategic importance (2) Islands of economic importance and (3) Bio-diversity islands; and any combination of the above three.

Islands of economic importance

The survey of islands of economic importance should lead to the development of certain islands for promoting tourism. Once the tourism potential is established, it would need development of the tourist infrastructure to enable functioning as a wealth generator for the nation. Also there will be a need for advising the tourism department on perimeter protection of these islands to ensure prevention of erosion leading to sustainable tourism development. We have done this in the Wheeler Island complex; otherwise the useful area would have been reduced.

Islands of biodiversity

There are certain small islands, which have inherent biodiversity potential that have to be further developed. These islands must be separately surveyed and the soil characteristics should be established for their suitability of developing certain species of herbs and medicinal plants. The biodiversity parks could be specifically used for growing the rare herbal species of Indian origin. These parks can also be developed for ecological and tourist importance. A unique forest can be developed in uninhabited islands. For example, the Andaman Padauk wood is well known as a structural material. I used it for the propellers of hovercraft. Constant updation of hydrographic data by the Department of Ocean Development is essential for preserving the flora and fauna of the islands with the help of Hydrography mission of the Navy.

Vision for the Ocean

I would like to recall, the recommendations of the Steering Committee of the Science & Technology, which I was chairing when I was the Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, for the formulation of 10th Five Year Plan that deliberated the vision and missions for the Department of the Ocean Development. I would like to mention to the Ocean Development community that you should have well-structured missions particularly on gas hydrates, ocean thermal energy conversion, drugs from sea. However, I thought of suggesting to you my views on the vision for the Ocean Development and missions.

The vision for Ocean Development ?  
"Deployment of marine resources for National Development using cutting edge technologies"  
Ten Indian Missions for the Ocean

1. Resource Mapping in EEZ

We have 200 nautical miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), 2.02 million sq. kilometers for exploration. Mapping of ocean resources and evolution of guidelines to understand, quantify and harness the ocean resources with minimal environmental impact is the need. Assessing the resource potential of a given ecosystem is a challenging task because available data are still inadequate to realistically determine potential estimates. Predictive models leading to resource estimation and sustainable use will thus form part of the long-term vision. There is a need of mapping and studies for coastal and Open Ocean using research vessels, advanced observing systems and remote sensing satellites. Laboratories and computational infrastructure have to be tuned and strengthened towards this goal. We have to map our maritime zones with its living and non-living resources as a first step towards sustained economic development in the sea areas. Department of Ocean Development, Surveyor General of India and National Hydrographic Office (NHO) may have to work together in evolving a national plan for implementing this economic development of Exclusive Economic Zone.

2. Claim for Extended Exclusive Economic Zone

Article 76 of UNCLOS (The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) enables coastal states to claim extended exclusive economic zone in the form of continental shelf for which the claims has to be submitted before the UN Commission on the limits of the continental shelf. During my visit to NHO, I was apprised that all the field data collection has been completed by NHO/DOD. Since this process is over, the DOD must quickly process the data and submit the claim before the Commission in 2005 for getting the claim accepted. This may give us an additional sea area of up to 1.5 million square kilometers.

3. Generation of Energy

Ocean is the source of abundant energy. The thermal energy stored at the bottom of the ocean is exploited for its conversion into cheap source of electrical energy. Also, the mechanical force produced due to tidal wave can be transformed into electrical energy. Such energy generation is being exploited presently at a small scale and this need to be exploited at larger scale.

4. Bio-Geo-Info-Nanotech Quadrant

Oceans are rich source of natural products and they form an abundant source of bio and geo diversities. This natural resource coupled with the advanced technologies, such as nanoscience and nano devices in the information age lead to a potential quadrant of bio-geo-info-nanotechnologies. The highly efficient and compact nano devices, with fast information technology support, will lead to better and quicker understanding of the treasures of the ocean. A swarm of nanobuoys or Nano submerged devices can provide key information about sea. Similarly, a swarm of nanorobots/ satellite in the space can monitor and predict the behaviour emanating out of ocean. The need of the hour is to bring the experts from various walks of science and technology to a common platform to synergise their efforts to get the benefits out of ocean for the welfare of the mankind and ocean health. Particularly the dynamics of monsoon and cyclone need research. Joint research programmes with the involvement of experts of various interdisciplinary technologies will culminate into a huge oceanic resource for energy, fuel, medicines, agriculture, etc.

5. Ocean medicine box

The use of marine plants and other organisms from the oceans, for medicinal purposes has been known to the people, particularly those residing along the coasts. The invertebrates, such as sponges and molasses, in the ocean bear a large group of structurally unique natural products and offer exciting possibilities as sources of new drugs. Furthermore, many invertebrates feed by filtering seawater. Since seawater contains high concentrations of bacteria, these filter-feeding invertebrates have to produce antibiotics in order to survive. In the chemical fight between two invertebrates, that particular invertebrate would win which is able to destroy the cells of its neighbour, using its natural products. This principle is also applicable in the well-recognized anti-cancer treatment technique of chemotherapy. A potent anti-cancer compound, Bryostatin, is isolated from a filter-feeding invertebrate called Bugula Neritina. Similarly, anti-tumour drug, Ecteinascidin, is derived from a marine alkaloid, which is produced by an invertebrate called sea squirt.

Pseudopterosins, a family of natural products produced by sea whips, are also potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Research in the developed world is also underway to produce anti-inflammatory steroids extracted from the enzymes of invertebrates such as sponge or coral. Ocean offers anti-bacterial agents, drugs for osteoporosis and so on from its treasure. India has to mount mission mode programme for developing drug from sea.

6. Networking National Talents

I was informed that the Department of Ocean Development, Navy, DRDO, Geological Survey of India, Oil and Natural Gas Commission put together have 15 vessels including ships with laboratory equipment for ocean research. There is a need to network all these resources and talents and create an advisory board with membership from all participating organizations for identifying and sharing of task and maximizing the resource utilization through multi-skilling and multi- tasking. This will bring in substantial savings in the overall expenditure of many departments.

7. Antarctica Exploration - Lessons

The Antarctica station Maitri has been operational for the past 13 years. There is a need to review the task of this station and the valuable contribution made by the researchers in promoting national development. Certain studies carried out in this region can be put to use in solving problems of extreme cold region in the mountain particularly Himalayan region. For example, we can study the growth of microorganism in Antarctica, which can find application in human waste disposal plants located in Siachen glacier.

8. Noble Metals

India has been given the right to explore for Nodules containing copper, cobalt and nickel in the area of 75000-kilometer square outside the economic zone. Urgent action is needed to complete the experimental studies and launch a large-scale mission to mine the vast natural resource, which can meet the national requirement and also enable the country to export these noble metals to the western world.

9. Effect of Global Warming and Industrial Waste

The global warming is a cause of concern for today?s environmentalists. The main reasons for global warming are the fast depletion of the natural resources hence causing climatic and environmental disorders. There are many reasons such as deforestation, increasing environmental pollution, etc. which cause global warming but another important reason is the poor health of the oceans. Many factories and industrial houses in the coastal areas are dumping their waste in the seawater. This pollution can lead to the damage of living marine organism. Environmentalists find poor health of ocean is the most important link, which leads to adverse effect to forestation, cyclonic and monsoon rains, etc. This in turn leads to global warming. Therefore, there are multiple problems to be resolved. We have to study the availability of adequate legal system for protecting our seas. Also through legislation and enforcement agency, mechanism has to be worked out for preventing dumping of waste in the seawater. In addition, there is a dire need to preserve the biomass of the ocean to maintain the ecological balance. This will lead, in turn, to better environment and reduction in global warming.

10. Underwater Tourism

Now there is a general interest in exploring the beauty of underwater environment, which has the wealth of living organisms and non-living colorful rocks and mineral deposits. This interest can be converted into an adventure sport by promoting underwater tourism for national and international tourists. This will need building up of infrastructure such as underwater vehicles with adequate facility specially lighting and optical systems for viewing the underwater sea environment. This can be taken up on a mission mode by the Department of Ocean development by selecting two sites near our islands in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism. While developing the scheme we should ensure that it does not disturb the flora and fauna of the location.

Conclusion

Many years of Ocean research have given a good exposure to the Ocean science. This will have to have an influence on the societal needs. Time has come to focus our attention on missions, which will directly bring economic development of the Nation. The wealth provided by the Ocean in the EEZ can be large enough to progress economic development programmes of the nation. Technology developed by other scientific departments need to be integrated and networked to achieve desired results, with adequate investment in the physical and technological infrastructure for efficient exploitation of the Ocean. Constitution of an Empowered Ocean Commission with participation from all constituent ministries / departments may go a long way in timely realization of ocean missions. Ocean is beautiful, the waves create enchanting music and inspiring thoughts.

May God Bless You.

QUESTIONS RECEIVED FROM THE SCHOOLCHILDREN

1. India is a land of many rivers and we have the potential and manpower to harness tidal energy to its maximum potential. Can projects like Enron help India become self sufficient for their power requirements?

- Aakash Lalni, Class XI, Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad.

Ans. India has a coast extending upto 7500 kms and it is possible to build small power stations to generate power from tidal waves. Two pilot scale experiments are already in progress, one in Gujarat and the other in Kerala.

India at present is producing one-lakh mega watts of energy. The main sources are hydroelectric, thermal, nuclear power plants are used for producing this energy. Our requirement of energy by 2020 will be three lakhs mega watts. This requirement has to be met through thorium based nuclear power plants, massive use of solar energy based power plants, power plant based on municipal solid waste and other conventional / renewable energy systems.

2. With global warming, it is feared that glaciers will melt and release water into the sea, thus increasing the sea level. Increase in the sea level would be disastrous in places like Bangladesh and in our own Sunderbans. Is there anything we can do to protect our shores?

- Shweta Saini, Class X, Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad.

Ans. Global warming is no more a myth, it is a fact. Because of Global warming the average temperature of earth has risen by 0.6 degree Celsius in the last 50 years and snows / ice resources are very sensitive to the temperature changes. Apart from the Himalayan Glaciers, all the Glaciers including Ice sheet are receding. The mountain glacier will not affect substantially the sea level rise. But Ice Sheet Polar Ice Caps melt will definitely increase the sea level. And the other reason for increasing the sea level will be due to expansion of water by heating. That may inundate low-lying areas. Research is important to identify the vulnerable areas. Indian and international communities are working towards this direction.

3. Marine Parks and reserves have been set up in numerous countries to protect threatened marine species and vulnerable habitats. What are we in India doing to protect our mangroves and coral reefs? - Anamika Tyagi, Class IX, Delhi Public School, Ghaziabad.

Ans. All the mangroves and coral reefs are protected under Coastal Regulation Zone Act. Further, Coral reefs, as species are also protected under Wildlife Protection Act. Various marine Biosphere Reserves and Marine National Parks have been created , for example Sundarbans, Gulf of Katchch, Gulf of Mannar, Chilka lake(Ramsar Site) including marine national parks in Andaman and Lakshadweep. The Department of Ocean Development has given a management plan for protection of mangroves which is to be implemented by State Governments.

4. The drinking water/ potable water available in the world is diminishing fast and there are apprehensions that the next world war may be fought for water. We know that about three fourth part of our earth is covered with ocean having abundance of water but that cannot be used for drinking purpose. My question is that can we devise a mechanism to convert ocean water into drinking water at reasonable cost and in large amount? - Naquib Ahmad, Class XII, Jamia Senior Secondary School,New Delhi.

Ans. The desalination of sea water can be achieved either through Reverse Osmasis or through Flash Evaporation. The cost of converting seawater into potable water has been coming down in the last two decades. In rupee terms, in 1980 it was Rs. 125 per thousand liter, in 1990 it became Rs. 75 per thousand liter and in 2000 it has come down to Rs. 50 per thousand liter. In 2004 in Israel the cost has come down to Rs. 25 per thousand liter. India is working on converting sea water into potable water. In the near future, use of solar energy is expected to bring down the cost of desalination further.

5. At the level of ocean floor about 4500 meters deep, the water is completely black and very cold. Why?

- Aijaz Ahmad, Class XII, Jamia Senior Secondary School, New Delhi.

Ans. This happens because light cannot reach that depth and sea floor appears dark. In contrast, the water on the surface appears blue due to scattering and reflection of light from the blue sky

6. I have read that other countries are very strict in enforcing anti-pollution laws to prevent marine pollution. Heavy fines are imposed on defaulters. However, in India, we are not taking marine pollution seriously. The fines are so paltry and the foreign shipping pays these fines willingly and goes scot-free. May I request your good offices to ensure that Indian agencies become alert and proactive?

- Manishita Mishra, Class XI, Naval Public School, New Delhi.

Ans. This has to be studied in detail. Ministry of Environment and Forests and Department of Ocean have to take action to monitor and safeguard our interests.

7. Run-off from coastal industries into the sea goes unchallenged. No single agencies enforce its powers. The State Pollution Control Board, the State Government, etc. do not seem to bother. Sir, isn?t it the time to gear up to the situation? - Devika Deshpande, Class XI, Naval Public School, New Delhi.

Or

There are many industries which still throw all their wastes into the oceans. How can it be prevented? -

Siddharth Sharma, Rai School, New Delhi.

Ans. We need an integrated mechanism to prevent pollutants coming into the sea and also. We need law enforcement agencies to tackle this problem. Above all, we need enlightened industrialists who will ensure that all pollutants are treated and neutralized before they are drained into the sea. This is how we can prevent pollution of the sea.

8. As we all are aware of the fact that oceans play an important role in the formation of monsoon. Taking into consideration the present scenario of technological advancement what steps have been taken by the Department of Ocean Development, Government of India to precisely predict the monsoon in advance?

- Aditi Gupta, Class XII, DLF Public School, Ghaziabad

Ans.The prediction of monsoon is primarily the responsibility of Indian Meteorological Department. They have a multi parameter model for predicting the monsoon. The ocean temperature is one of the critical input for prediction. Today Data Buoy has been launched which will be placed in different points in the sea. This Buoy will measure parameters such as current, temperature, salinity etc. and provide it to a central station continuously. The important parameter affecting monsoon is the temperature. Availability of the pattern of temperature through these Buoys will be a good input for better prediction of the monsoon.

9. To the best of our understanding oceans contain enormous resources like variety of fishes, oil and natural gas etc. used as byproducts. In order to explore and exploit these resources what efforts have been made in India and where do we stand at international level?

- Anandita Tyagi, Class XII, DLF Public School,Ghaziabad.

Ans. Nearly 50% of our oil and natural gas production is coming from off-shore drillings. Also, local requirement of fish is fully met and we export small quantity of fish to outside countries. We have to work determinedly to increase our fishing capabilities by going to deep water fishing using state-of-the art infrastructure. That will enable us to export fish in large quantities.