CSIR-NIO opens shore-based lab in Visakhapatnam
Union Minister for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Jitendra Singh inaugurated the shore-based laboratory of CSIR National Institute of Oceanography, Regional Centre, in Visakhapatnam on Friday. The new facility marks a major step for marine research on the East Coast.
The Andhra Pradesh government allotted four acres for the centre. CSIR NIO built a modern oceanography laboratory over about 4,000 sq. m. The team will now focus on research in the Bay of Bengal. In particular, scientists will study marine resources and support coastal industries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Singh said the centre would “strengthen India’s scientific capabilities in understanding the oceans, which are critical for energy security, climate resilience and economic growth.” He also highlighted the resource potential of the eastern continental margin. Therefore, he called for scientific mapping and sustainable exploration.
The centre will carry out marine geological and geophysical surveys along the eastern continental margin. Scientists will map seabed features, study tectonic structures, and assess resource potential. Moreover, experts consider the region important for hydrocarbons and seabed minerals because major rivers deposit heavy sediments there.
Officials said the centre has already supported ONGC, Reliance Industries, GAIL, and Oil India. It helped them plan marine pipelines and address coastal environmental issues. In addition, it assisted sectors such as ports, thermal power, steel, and pharmaceuticals.
“The data and expertise generated here are vital not only for industry but also for regulation and conservation,” a senior NIO scientist said. He added that the centre plays an important role in coastal zone regulation and environmental assessments.
The centre has also helped identify potential fishing zones in the northern Indian Ocean. At the same time, it has contributed to research on tropical cyclone track projections. Besides this, it has trained fishing communities in activities such as seaweed culture. Researchers have also worked on forecasting harmful algal blooms.
NIO officials said the centre will support policy and decision-making in several areas. These include coastal regulation, disaster management, climate adaptation, marine resource exploration, and environmental protection. Furthermore, the centre is part of national programmes on deep sea exploration, monsoon research, and coastal management. It also works with international partners on ocean health and climate studies.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, MP M. Sribharat, Bheemunipatnam MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, the Director General of CSIR, and the Director of NIO attended the event.