Excelsior Correspondent
VISHAKHAPATNAM, Jan 30: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr Jitendra Singh, today inaugurated the Shore-Based Laboratory of CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam, describing it as a clear demonstration of the “double engine government effect”, where seamless coordination between the Centre and the State accelerates development.
Addressing the gathering in the presence of Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Anita Vangalapudi, Member of Parliament M. Sribharat, MLA G. Srinivasa Rao, Director CSIR-NIO Prof. Sunil Kumar Singh, Dr V.V.S.S. Sarma, and Director General, CSIR Dr Kalaiselvi, Dr Jitendra Singh said that although the foundation for the project was laid years ago, substantial progress and completion happened within the last 8-10 months following the coming together of the Central and State governments on the same page.
The Minister noted that the land for the project had been transferred by the State Government at a nominal cost in the early 2000s, and its present value has multiplied many times due to rapid development in the area. He said the Government of India, on behalf of CSIR and the Prime Minister Shri Nar endra Modi, who is the President of CSIR, is dedicating this ?32-crore shore-based facility to the nation.
Highlighting the strategic importance of the facility, Dr Jitendra Singh said India has a coastline of nearly 11,000-12,000 km, of which over 1,000 km lies along Andhra Pradesh, making it a natural hub for the maritime economy and the Blue Economy vision of the Prime Minister. He said the Eastern Coastal Margin of India is geologically diverse and holds significant potential for hydrocarbons, seabed minerals, oil and natural gas, largely due to heavy sediment deposits from the Himalayan River systems.
The Minister said the Visakhapatnam coast represents a versatile marine resource base that can significantly contribute to India’s energy security as well as the Blue Economy, and the newly inaugurated CSIR-NIO facility will act as a key scientific backbone for this effort.
Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted that CSIR-NIO is already working in close collaboration with ONGC, Oil India and other stakeholders, and is actively supporting sectors such as pharmaceuticals, ports, thermal power projects and fisheries. He said the Centre’s work in identifying potential fishing zones, seaweed cultivation for fisherfolk, and prediction of harmful algal blooms benefits both livelihoods and public health, as marine bio-resources are increasingly used in medicine and healthcare.
Emphasising the Government’s integrated approach, the Minister said India’s marine development now brings together Central and State governments, public and private sectors, research institutions, and startups. He invited industry and entrepreneurs to become active partners, stating that a robust ecosystem of technical and financial support is already in place for startups and innovators in the marine and coastal domain.
Dr Jitendra Singh said the Visakhapatnam Centre will also emerge as a major hub for capacity building and skill training, nurturing young scientists, researchers, startups, and future entrepreneurs for India’s expanding marine sector.
The Minister expressed special appreciation for Chief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, stating that due to his personal intervention, long-pending coastal and environmental clearances that had remained unresolved for nearly a decade were cleared within six months, ensuring that not a single day was lost in execution. He said the project required multiple clearances due to its coastal location, all of which were fast-tracked through effective Centre-State coordination.
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