The Deep Ocean Mission is a multi-disciplinary programme with an emphasis on development of deep-sea technology

All the components of India's ambitious Deep Ocean Mission, which includes the development of a manned submersible, will commence this year, the central government has said.

The manned submersible will be able to carry three people to a depth of 6000 metres.

The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) will be implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences at a total budget of Rs. 4077 crore for five years.

Providing this information in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh said the Deep Ocean Mission is a multi-ministerial, multi-disciplinary programme with an emphasis on development of deep-sea technology.

This includes development of manned Submersible rated for 6000 metre water depth in the ocean with scientific sensors and tools.

There are plans to develop technologies for deep sea mining, exploration of deep-sea mineral resources and marine biodiversity.

The mission also envisaged the acquisition of a research vessel for ocean exploration, deep sea observations, and capacity building in Marine Biology, Singh said.

It is planned to develop a manned submersible to carry 3 people to a depth of 6000 metres l the components of the mission will commence in 2021.