The Ministry of Earth Sciences is a fairly recent creation of the government of India designed to study and explore environmental processes for scientific knowledge and potential impact on society. It is the primary federal ministry responsible for the various agencies, initiatives, and research dealing primarily with atmospheric sciences, ocean science and technology, and seismology. The ministry aims to provide the “best possible services” in forecasting natural phenomenon, including monsoons, tsunamis, earthquakes, and climate change and global warming. Its mandate also holds it responsible for the exploration and exploitation of ocean and earth resources as well as related research, including Antarctic and Arctic exploration. The ministry functions under the Earth Commission, an executive advisory and management body consisting of scientists and politicians. The commission is responsible for the formulation of ministry policies within a comprehensive earth sciences framework whereas the ministry is responsible for implementing them. While not the most coveted ministerial assignment, global warming and climate change, India’s rapidly increasing population and the subsequent resource shortage, a 7500km coastline, and a 2.02 million sq km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) make the Ministry of Earth Sciences a very important entity for economic growth and sustainability.

Recognizing the interconnectedness of ocean, land, and atmosphere and India’s vulnerability to a variety of natural disasters, the Earth Commission recommended the establishment of a separate ministry that would integrate agencies, departments, and other bodies working on interrelated matters in earth system science. The Ministry of Earth Sciences was created in 2006 with the amalgamation of the meteorological bodies (Indian Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting) and the Department of Ocean Development.

The Department of Ocean Development was established in July 1981. By early 1982 the Indian government had articulated an Ocean Policy Statement, which emphasized the control and management of sea and ocean resources and the development of technology that could further exploration and utilization of available resources. The department was tasked with organizing, coordinating, and promoting ocean development. To realize the objectives put forth by the statement, the department initiated research and development via the following programs: multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary Polar Science Program and Antarctic expeditions with scientific and geopolitical significance; Marine Non-Living Resources Program; Marine Living Resources Program; Marine Environment and Coastal Zone; Ocean Atmosphere and Climatology; Capacity Building Program towards self reliance and creation of public awareness of  the ocean, its potential and usage. This Ministry of Earth Sciences has retained the responsibilities and objectives of the Ocean Policy Statement and maintains similar programs.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences “aims at looking at the planet in a holistic way so as to develop a comprehensive understanding of the interplay of earth processes. The vision of the Ministry is to emerge as a knowledge and information technology enterprise for the earth system science (atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere and geosphere) realm for the Indian subcontinent and Ocean.” In order to achieve these objectives, the ministry, through its agencies, departments, and research institutions, performs a wide variety of work. The activities undertaken provide both scientific knowledge as well as practical benefits such as weather advisories (including natural disasters), fisheries inventories, research and development for communications, oil, gas, and mineral explorations, chemistry, biology, etc., agricultural and aviation assistance, and ocean exploration, among many others.

Taking into account the broad swath of work undertaken, the Ministry is divided into 11 categories: (i) Atmospheric Science & Services; (ii) Ocean Science & Services; (iii) Cryosphere/Polar Science; (iv) Ocean Resources; (v) Ocean Technology; (vi) Coastal Marine Ecology; (vii) Climate Change Science; (viii) Disaster Support; (ix) Vessel Management; (x) R&D in Earth Sciences; and (xi) Outreach.

The atmospheric science and services forecasts weather and issues precautionary warnings for hazardous weather. Services provided include monsoon monitoring and predictions, agro-meteorological services (to farmers as well as to the ministries of agriculture and concerned bodies throughout India), drought research, mountain meteorology forecasts, hydro-meteorological services (primarily for flood warnings, water management, and data collection and analysis), aviation service, location specific forecasts, environmental monitoring as well as climate monitoring and climate information services. The Centre for Climate Change Research (CCCR) at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) conducts studies on the impact of changing conditions on India.

Oceanographic research is conducted in line with the Ocean Policy Statement. For this reason, ocean focused research and development initiatives can be classified under the broad programs: Antarctic expedition and polar science; marine living and non-living resources; coastal zone and island; ocean observations and information services; and marine research and capacity building.

Under this mandate, the ministry supports annual research expeditions to Antarctica and has established one base and transit camp and one research camp there. After the establishment of the ministry, annual arctic expeditions have also been initiated. India’s 2.02 million km Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) offers an incredible opportunity for exploration and exploitation of the ocean and its resources. Responsible entities within the Ministry are tasked with conducting research, developing technologies, and implementing programs that help India maximize the ocean’s potential.

While the General Secretariat looks after administrative matters, policy and legislative issues, finance, and outreach, the ministry’s actual work happens at attached offices and autonomous bodies throughout the country.

Attached Bodies or Autonomous Bodies

Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management Project Directorate (Attached Body) The Integrated Coastal and Marine Area Management Project Directorate (ICMAM) originated from the adoption of Agenda 21 at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in 1992. The agenda emphasized the need to adopt the concept of Integrated Coastal Zone Management for sustainability of coastal and marine resources and environmental protection. ICMAM was established in 1998 in Chennai with the intention of attaining such sustainability and accomplishing other objectives of the conference. The directorate was also tasked with research and development (R&D) for integrated coastal and marine area management. ICMAM was initially funded by the World Bank from September 1997 to June 2003, and has since procured its own funding.

Center for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (Attached Body): The Sagar Sampada Cell (SSC), initially established in 1989, was renamed the Center for Marine Living Resources & Ecology (CMLRE) in 1998 after obtaining infrastructure for the Marine Living Resources (MLR) Program. The center, through the MLR program, maps marine living resources, produces inventories of those resources for commercial exploitation, develops ecosystem management practices and policies for optimal exploitation of these resources, and conducts research in related areas, including Antarctic marine living resources. The center utilizes the Fishery Oceanographic Vessel (FORV) Sagar Sampada to conduct its research.

National Center for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (Attached Body): The National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) is India’s chief medium range (3-10 days) weather forecasting service. It develops numerical weather forecast models to provide weather data and Agro Advisory Services to farmers. In addition to forecasting services, the centre’s other major responsibility is to develop a “coupled ocean-atmosphere prediction system” for more precise and accurate forecasts. NCMRWF also conducts research on modeling and data assimilation and develops techniques for location specific forecasts.

Indian Meteorological Department (Subordinate Office): Established in 1875, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is the national meteorological service. It is the principal federal agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences responsible for weather forecasting and all matters pertaining to meteorology, seismology, and related subjects.. There are currently six established Regional Meteorological Centers, one each in Mumbai, Chennai, New Delhi, Calcutta, Nagpur, and Guwahati. Each Center, under the leadership of a deputy director general, maintains a variety of units such as Forecasting Office, Flood Meteorological Office, Area Cyclone Warning Center, and others. The department is also divided further into divisions and offices to provide specialized support and deal with a wide variety of subjects including aviation, agriculture, astronomy, climatology, shipping, fishing, telecommunications, and training.

Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (Autonomous Body): Established in February 1999, the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is tasked with providing ocean information and advisory services to a variety of stakeholders including the government, scientific community, businesses, and society at large. It provides information regarding fishing zones, disseminates web-based ocean information services, and issues marine meteorological advisories. Since October 2007, INCOIS is responsible for the Tsunami and Storm Surge Early Warning System. It uses surveys, satellite technology, ships, buoys, and other means to produce information regarding fisheries, oil, minerals, marine biology, hydrology, geology, meteorology, coastal zone management, and others.

National Institute of Ocean Technology (Autonomous Body): The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) was founded in Chennai in November 1993. The goal of NIOT is to design and develop indigenous ocean related technologies that can assist with the exploration, exploitation, and research of the ocean and its resources. The technology groups of the Institute focus on coastal and environmental engineering, marine sensor systems, marine biotechnology, ocean acoustics and modeling, ocean electronics, and offshore structures. The technology projects include deep sea mining, desalination, gas hydrates, and submersibles

Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (Autonomous Body): India’s agro-centric economic development plans in the early years of its independence necessitated the creation of an agency that could study and understand the monsoon, weather systems, and climate in the tropical region. To fulfill this need, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology was created in February 1962 in Pune as an entity under IMD. Since then it has come to function as an autonomous body. IITM is primarily a research institute concerned with the generation and collection of meteorological and atmospheric data that have potential implications in agriculture, communications, transportation, water and land management, health services, etc. It is considered the national center for monsoon meteorology.

National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (Autonomous Body): The National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) is an autonomous R&D institution established on May 25, 1988, in Goa. Previously called the Antarctic Study Center, NCAOR is responsible for the coordination, and administration of the Indian Antarctic Program. In this capacity, it also maintains Maitr, India’s Antarctic research station. The center also operates the Himadri Arctic research station in Norway. The center collects and studies ice samples from the Himalayas as well.  Additionally, the center in conjunction with the Universities of Goa and Mangalore offers doctoral programs. NCAOR also maintains the Oceanic Research Vessel (ORV) Sagar Kanya that surveys major water bodies surrounding India.

The major responsibilities of the ministry can be divided into two distinct categories: oceanography and meteorology. A look at the ministry budget for the past four fiscal years (2008-2009, 2009-2010, 2010-2011, and 2011-2012) reveals a distinct pattern: oceanographic research has been allocated the largest share of the budget. In 2008-2009, out of a total budget of Rs.751.66 crore ($145.4 million USD), oceanographic research received Rs.289.29 crore ($56 million USD) whereas meteorology received Rs.232.04 crore ($44.9 million USD); in 2009-2010, out of Rs.1137.35 crore ($220 million USD), oceanographic research received Rs.497.42 crore ($96 million USD) whereas meteorology received Rs.314.18 crore ($60.8 million USD); in 2010-2011, from a total budget of Rs.1305.35 crore ($252.5 million USD), oceanographic research received Rs.604.66 crore ($116.93 million USD) whereas meteorology received Rs.304.84 crore ($59 million USD); and in the 2011-2012 budget, out of a total budget of Rs.1,567 crore ($303 million USD), oceanographic research was allocated Rs.855.88 crore ($165.5 million) whereas meteorology was allocated Rs.608.84 crore ($118 million USD).

The oceanographic budget supports the ocean oriented agencies mentioned above as well other programs. For 2011-2012, out of Rs.855.88 crore ($165.5 million USD), polar science research received well over a quarter of the budget or Rs.260 crore ($50 million USD). Rs.531 crore ($103 million USD) were divided among various other programs; the major budget consumers were R&D programs in earth and atmospheric sciences Rs.86 crore ($17 million USD); marine research and technology development (Rs.78crore - $15 million); and the ice class research vessel (Rs.69 crore - $13 million USD).

The almost Rs.609 crore ($118 million USD) meteorology budget was devoted mostly to the Indian Meteorological Department, which received Rs.352 crore ($68 million USD) and observatories and weather stations, whose share was (Rs.120.12 crore - $23 million USD). Other scientific research, which includes the NCMRWF and IITM, was allocated Rs.78.28 crore ($15 million USD).

Wasteful Spending at the Ministry of Earth Sciences

The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has repeatedly cited the ministry for a variety of infractions including wasteful spending, avoidable expenditure, inefficient project management, failure to achieve objectives, low success in commercialization of technologies developed, weakness in procurement systems, deficiencies in execution, and asset mismanagement. In 2007-2008, the ministry wasted Rs.9.32 crore ($1.8 million USD) on construction of residential quarters at NCMRWF without there being a need or demand for accommodation. In 2006-2007, NCAOR wasted Rs.43.68 lakhs ($80,000 USD) on the refurbishment of a ship that ultimately was not used. The Ministry has also engages in “rush of expenditure” – asking for grant amounts in the last quarter of fiscal year. The Ministry was also cited for unspent provisions in excess of Rs.100 crore ($19.3 million USD); this indicates either incompetent budgeting or the inability to meet specified targets. The ministry is also being investigated by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) for “alleged irregularities” in a Commonwealth Games-related project.

2008-2009 CAG Report on Scientific Departments (Office of Comptroller and Auditor General) (pdf)

Appendix for 2008-2009 CAG Report on Scientific Departments (Office of Comptroller and Auditor General) (pdf)

2011-2012 CAG Report on Scientific Departments (Chapter V: Ministry of Earth Sciences) (Office of Comptroller and Auditor General) (pdf)

71 CWG-Related Works Under CVC Scanner For Alleged Graft (Economic Times)

Development of Technology and Infrastructure: In 2010, India submitted a claim to expand its EEZ by 1 million sq km to the United Nations Commission on the Law of the Sea. The intended purpose behind this was access to more oil, natural gas, and other oceanic resources. It has also been recently reported that huge amounts of natural gas is trapped in India’s existing EEZ. However, India currently lacks the necessary technology and infrastructure to survey, explore, and ultimately exploit, not only the potential EEZ but also its current EEZ. There is a critical need to develop cutting-edge technologies in order to successful utilize and harvest these existing resources. There is also a need to enhance the computing capacity of the Ministry as forecasting and modeling require high computing capabilities. A right step in this direction would be to increase NIOT’s funding along with the building and acquisition of new infrastructure that would help it achieve its objective. The Ministry’s 2011-2012 budget increased by 28 percent; however a major chunk of the funding went to the modernization of IMD and polar science research whereas NIOT received only Rs.45 crore ($8.98 million USD) and the marine research and technology development (MRTD) program received Rs.66 crore ($13.18 million USD).

India Hopes To Double Its EEZ (by P.Sunderarajan, The Hindu)

‘Develop Technology To Tap Oceanic Resources'(The Hindu)

‘Huge Quantity Of Natural Gas Trapped In EEZ’ (Hindu Business Line)

Pawan Kumar Bansal was the former Minister of Earth Sciences and Science and Technology. A native of Punjab, he received his B.Sc. from Government College in Chandigarh and his L.L.B from the Department of Law, Punjab University in Chandigarh. A four term member of the Lok Sabha, he has served in a variety of cabinet leadership positions. Before his appointment as the Minister of Earth Sciences and Science and Technology, he was the Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Waster Resources, and the Minister of State for the Ministry of Finance. He currently serves as the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs as well as the Union Minister for Water Resources.

Official Biography