Jitendra Singh Opens New CSIR-NIO Ocean Research Facility In Vizag
Developed on four acres of land allotted by the Andhra Pradesh government, the new facility has a built-up area of nearly 4,000 square metres: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: Union minister for science and technology and earth sciences Dr Jitendra Singh on Friday inaugurated the shore-based laboratory of the CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) Regional Centre at Yendada in Visakhapatnam, marking a major boost to oceanographic research along India’s east coast.
Developed on four acres of land allotted by the Andhra Pradesh government, the new facility has a built-up area of nearly 4,000 square metres. It is designed to strengthen scientific research in the Bay of Bengal, with a focus on assessing both living and non-living marine resources to support coastal and offshore industries along the eastern seaboard.
The centre will undertake marine geological and geophysical studies of India’s eastern continental margin, including bathymetric mapping, tectonic analysis and identification of hydrocarbon and seabed mineral potential. Scientists noted that the heavy sediment load brought by Himalayan rivers into the northern Bay of Bengal plays a key role in shaping the region’s marine resources.
Over the years, the Visakhapatnam centre has provided technical support to organisations such as ONGC, Reliance Industries, GAIL and Oil India, particularly in pipeline laying and marine environmental assessments. It has also worked with sectors including pharmaceuticals, steel, ports and thermal power, and assisted in coastal zone regulation demarcation.
The centre’s research has direct relevance to coastal communities, covering potential fishing zone mapping, cyclone track projections, harmful algal bloom forecasting and skill development programmes in seaweed cultivation.
The facility is expected to contribute to national policy-making in coastal regulation, disaster management, climate change adaptation and marine resource exploration. It will also support major national programmes such as deep-sea exploration, monsoon studies and integrated coastal and marine area management, while strengthening international collaborations.
Addressing the gathering, Dr Jitendra Singh said capacity building would remain a priority, with the centre focusing on training young scientists and skilled professionals as India expands its marine science capabilities along the east coast.
The inauguration was attended by home minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat, Bheemili MLA G. Srinivasa Rao, CSIR director-general Dr Kalaiselvi, NIO director Sunil Kumar Singh, and Dr V. V. V. S. Sarma, scientist-in-charge of the Visakhapatnam centre.