GSI to replace Samudra Manthan: Cabinet

New Delhi, Oct 1 (UNI) The Centre today approved a proposal for acquisition of a new research vessel as a replacement for the aging research vessel -- Samudra Manthan of Geological Survey of India -- at an estimated cost of Rs 448 crore for carrying out seabed surveys and exploration of non-living resources.

At present no single vessel is available on chartering basis that has multidisciplinary equipment systems to undertake detailed investigation for offshore survey.

Further, in view of aspects of information security and the objective of addition to the national wealth, the acquisition of new RV vessel is considered advantageous, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi told reporters.

The decision, taken at a Cabinet meeting, will facilitate GSI to acquire a tailor made new multidisciplinary research vessel with state-of-the-art equipment for undertaking geological, geophysical and geo-chemical mapping of the seabed. Data generated will be useful for creating and updating national database in the field of earth science, oceanography and offshore mineral resources.

UNI