Visakhapatnam (Andhra Pradesh), Jan 30 (TNT): Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated the shore-based laboratory of CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Regional Centre here on Friday.
The new laboratory, established on 4 acres of land acquired from the Andhra Pradesh government, spans approximately 4,000 m² and aims to advance oceanographic research in the Bay of Bengal.
The centre will study marine living and non-living resources, support coastal industries, and conduct geophysical and geological surveys to map India’s eastern continental margin and explore hydrocarbon and seabed mineral potential.
The regional centre will also contribute to India’s energy security, aid industries like ONGC, Reliance, GAIL, and Oil India, and assist in developing coastal infrastructure and environmental management strategies.
Scientists will work on fisheries, cyclone tracking, harmful algal bloom predictions, and skill development programs for coastal communities.
This centre is poised to play a key role in national policy-making, climate adaptation, disaster management, marine resource exploration, and international oceanographic research, while also training young scientists for India’s expanding marine sector.
Ms. V. Anitha from the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Director-General of CSIR, and the Director of NIO were present, along with Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharath and Bheemili MLA G. Srinivasa Rao.
TNT TS
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