Economy · GS3
Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme
One line
The Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan, a national offshore exploration scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
Summary
India's offshore areas may hold mineral and energy resources, but exploration is technically difficult and environmentally sensitive. Better geoscience reduces uncertainty before any decision on extraction.
PYQ pattern
UPSC can connect offshore resources with the blue economy, UNCLOS, environmental assessment, and strategic security.
Core notes
- Exploration maps geology and estimates resources; mining or production requires separate approvals.
- Offshore surveys may use seismic, magnetic, bathymetric, sampling, and drilling methods.
- Marine ecosystems, fisheries, coastal livelihoods, and disaster risk must be considered.
- Public geoscience data can lower entry barriers while strategic data may need safeguards.
Prelims lens
- India's maritime zones include territorial sea, contiguous zone, exclusive economic zone, and continental-shelf rights.
- Resource estimation does not equal an economically recoverable reserve.
- Environmental baseline data should precede development.
MCQ 1
Exploration primarily aims to:
- A. Reduce geological uncertainty
- B. Grant automatic mining permission
- C. Replace environmental assessment
- D. Establish maritime boundaries unilaterally
Reveal answerHide answer
A
Exploration gathers data on the location, quantity, and quality of resources.
MCQ 2
An estimated resource is necessarily:
- A. An economically recoverable reserve
- B. Different from a proven commercially recoverable reserve
- C. Already extracted
- D. Outside environmental law
Reveal answerHide answer
B
Technical and economic feasibility determines whether a resource qualifies as a reserve.
Mains
Question, 10 marks, 150 words: What principles should guide India's expansion of offshore resource exploration?
Approach:
- Explain geoscience and strategic benefits.
- Distinguish exploration from extraction.
- Discuss ecology, fisheries, technology, and law.
- Suggest baseline studies and transparent approvals.