Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has outlined a roadmap placing the Eastern Coastal Region at the centre of India’s nuclear and marine initiatives. Odisha will host one of the country’s four Rare Earth Corridors, while deep sea fishing reforms are set to create new economic opportunities along the coast.
During a meeting with Odisha’s Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra, Dr. Singh emphasised that ocean resources are now being systematically harnessed through central-state collaboration, marking a new era of coordinated development.
Deep Ocean Mission and Fisheries Reforms
The roadmap includes the Deep Ocean Mission and regulatory support for deep sea fishing within India’s EEZ. These measures aim to boost maritime livelihoods and strengthen Odisha’s role in the Eastern Coastal Region economy.
Rare Earth and Nuclear Expansion
Exploration of critical and rare earth minerals will expand to Odisha, making it a strategic hub in India. The Rare Earth Corridor is expected to stimulate mining, processing, and research activities, integrating nuclear and space infrastructure with regional development.
Biotechnology and Space Collaboration
Plans for a Bio-E3 Cell and a new Department of Biotechnology (DBT) centre in Odisha were discussed. Already home to a space centre and leading life sciences institutions, Odisha is set to benefit from technology-driven research across the Eastern Coastal Region.
Coordinated Science-Led Growth
Dr. Singh and Minister Patra agreed to maintain close coordination to accelerate project execution. The Eastern Coastal Region roadmap integrates marine resources, nuclear minerals, space infrastructure, and life sciences to foster sustainable, science-led regional growth.
