New Delhi – Union Minister Kiren Rijiju unveiled India’s groundbreaking ocean exploration endeavor with the release of images and a video showcasing Matsya 6000, a manned submersible set to embark on the Samudrayaan mission. Developed by the esteemed National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai, this innovative vessel marks India’s inaugural venture into deep-sea exploration. Matsya 6000 is engineered to ferry aquanauts to staggering depths of 6,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface, offering unparalleled insights into the mysterious world below. While the inaugural underwater journey is slated for a depth of 500 meters, it signifies a significant step forward in India’s scientific pursuits.
Minister Rijiju emphasized the mission’s commitment to preserving the marine ecosystem, assuring that the project’s activities will not disturb the delicate balance of underwater life. Speaking about the upcoming endeavor, he stated, “Next is ‘Samudrayaan.’ This is ‘MATSYA 6000’ submersible under construction at the National Institute of Ocean Technology in Chennai. India’s first manned Deep Ocean Mission ‘Samudrayaan’ plans to send three humans to a depth of 6 kilometers in a submersible to study deep-sea resources and biodiversity assessment. The project will not disturb the ocean ecosystem.”
Furthermore, Mr. Rijiju underscored the mission’s alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Blue Economy’ vision. He explained, “The Deep Ocean Mission supports the ‘Blue Economy’ vision of PM @narendramodi ji and envisages sustainable utilization of ocean resources for the economic growth of the country, improvement of livelihoods and jobs, and the preservation of ocean ecosystem health.”
A video shared by the minister offers a glimpse inside the vessel, which is still in the process of construction. In the video, an expert provides insights to Mr. Rijiju about Matsya 6000 and its operational intricacies.
The Samudrayaan mission holds promise not only for scientific exploration but also for resource discovery, including minerals, from the depths of the sea. As outlined by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, the mission is expected to materialize by the year 2026.
This ambitious undertaking represents a significant stride towards unlocking the secrets of the ocean’s abyss and underscores India’s commitment to scientific excellence and sustainable utilization of its vast maritime resources.
