Dr. Jitendra Singh highlights the importance of India's coastline in economic development, deep-ocean exploration, and sustainability during the National Conference on Coastal Ecology, Security and Sustainability (CCESS) 2026.
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, speaking at the National Conference on Coastal Ecology, Security and Sustainability (ccess) 2026, emphasized the significance of India's extensive coastal area for both economic development and deep-ocean exploration. The minister noted that the country's 11,000–12,000 km long coastline offers substantial potential for marine resources and the 'Blue Economy'.
India's historical association with the ocean reflects the understanding of its ancestors about the marine environment, said Dr. Singh. He highlighted the importance of an integrated approach that combines scientific knowledge, environmental sustainability, security, and economic development to effectively address the opportunities and challenges presented by the coastal region.
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of the Deep Ocean Mission as India moves towards exploring largely unexplored deep-ocean resources while building indigenous capabilities. He pointed out that efforts are being made to develop robots and submersibles for deep-ocean exploration, aiming to enhance India's capability in this area.
The minister linked deep-ocean exploration with emerging economic opportunities, identifying marine and coastal resources as areas with significant potential for contributing to the country's economic development. He highlighted research on black sulphite, minerals, and efforts aimed at increasing the economic potential of fisheries as examples of this focus.
Dr. Singh underscored the need to improve livelihoods in coastal communities while ensuring environmental protection, stating that efforts to expand the economic potential of coastal resources must consider the well-being of those living along the coast. He also emphasized the growing technological dimension of coastal security and the importance of integrating various sectors to address the challenges and opportunities associated with the coastline.
Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar' campaign, which focuses on maintaining the cleanliness and safety of India's coastline, as part of a broader approach towards sustainable coastal development.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
