"Blue economy has the potential of accelerating India's economic growth." Discuss. What challenges the Government of India is facing in harnessing this potential?

Blue economy has gained relevance since TORA meeting 2016, which is stated to use the oceans in sustainable manner to boost economic growth in the region.

Potential in boosting Economic growth

① Fishing

oceans can be used in sustainable manner to harness fishes for livelihood → it can also enhance our exports which is currently 6Y. of the world in fishing

② Tourism

beach tourism has great potential in India and can be leveraged

③ Tidal energy → with suitable eee technology we can harness tidal and wind

mineral exploration

India already has exclusive mining claim on polymetallic modules in mid Indian ocean. Seaco region by ISBA

has a oil exploration are also further boost to economic growth

Recent discoveries of methane hydrates give another area to explore

trade routes

search marine trade is the cheapest of all modes of transport (someauy u times len than road)

use (lacto technology to harness deep sea mineral resource

cost- effective technology is also not available for harnessing tidal energy + wind energy over oceans

2 Environmenta1

Arilling in deep ocean can lead to Pollution

oil spills are another challenge → overseas fishing of fish leading to unsustainable fishing

3 Lace of publicity ?

India is not seen as a major hub for tourism → we need to develop facilities like muddies for marine tourism

Aggregation by citing → it hampers free and open sea lanes of communication India should work of deep ocean mission along with partnering with like minded countries to ensure its SAGAR doctrine is enforced

— Preetam Kumar · AIR 9