Eastern Coastal Region figures prominently in Budget’s Nuclear, Marine roadmap: Dr Jitendra

NEW DELHI: Eastern Coastal Region figures prominently in the current Budget’s Nuclear and Marine roadmap, with the State of Odisha getting one of the four Rare Earth Corridors announced for the country, while the enabling provisions for deep sea fishing are also going to be a game-changer for the State.

This observation was made by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh, when he was called on by Odisha’s Science & Technology Minister  Krushna Chandra Patra.

During the meeting, Dr Jitendra Singh laid out a comprehensive roadmap centred on the Eastern Coastal region, Deep Ocean Mission, rare earth and nuclear resource expansion, fisheries reforms in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), and the proposed Bio-E3 Cell and DBT centre for Odisha.

Dr Jitendra Singh conveyed that Odisha will occupy a central place in the evolving eastern coastal strategy, which integrates marine resources, mineral corridors, nuclear and space infrastructure, and life sciences research into a unified development framework. He stated that for the first time, ocean resources are being systematically harnessed through coordinated institutional efforts, with central institutes working closely with the State government to execute ocean-related programmes.

The discussion covered implementation of the Deep Ocean Mission and enabling policy support for deep sea fishing within India’s Exclusive Economic Zone, creating new economic avenues for coastal communities in Odisha. Provisions relating to fisheries and regulatory reforms were also part of the deliberations.

On critical and rare earth minerals, both sides reviewed the potential of developing a rare earth corridor in the eastern region. Expansion of nuclear mineral exploration beyond traditionally concentrated southern states was discussed in this context, opening fresh opportunities for Odisha.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that Odisha stands to benefit substantially from current budgetary allocations and national initiatives. With a space centre already operational in the state and prominent life sciences institutions in place, enhanced collaboration is expected to accelerate research and innovation outcomes.

A proposal for establishing a Bio-E3 Cell in Odisha was also taken up. Plans for setting up a new Department of Biotechnology (DBT) centre in the state were discussed, with the Odisha government facilitating land for the same.

Both leaders agreed to maintain close coordination to ensure timely execution of projects across ocean science, atomic minerals, space research and biotechnology, positioning Odisha as a key pillar in India’s science-led growth strategy.