New Delhi, 30 Jan (.) Jitendra Singh, Minister of Earth Sciences, on Friday, inaugurated a Shore-Based Laboratory at CSIR–National Institute of Oceanography (NIO), Regional Centre, Visakhapatnam, offering momentum to India’s blue economy ambitions.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, the minister drew attention to the strategic importance of the facility pegged at Rs 32 crores, noting that over 1000 km of India’s coastline is in Andhra Pradesh, “making it a natural hub for the maritime economy and the Blue Economy vision of the Prime Minister.”
Describing the Visakhapatnam coast as a versatile marine resource base, the Minister said it 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.
The geologically diverse eastern coastal margin of India is likely replete with hydrocarbons, seabed minerals, oil, and natural gas, largely due to heavy sediment deposits from the Himalayan River systems, he added.
Singh also pointed out NIO’s contributions to pharmaceuticals, ports, thermal power projects, and the fisheries sector, aided by collaborations with ONGC, Oil India, and other stakeholders. 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.
Built on 3.25 acres of a four-acre campus at Yendada village in Rushikonda, construction of the Centre began in November 2024 and was completed in December 2025.
The project had earlier faced delays due to pending coastal and environmental clearances, according to the statement from the Minister. Given its coastal location, multiple approvals were required, which were later expedited through coordination between the Centre and the State governments, the minister said. . MBJ .