Union MoS Jitendra Singh Inaugurates Rs 32 Crore CSIR-NIO Shore-Based Regional Centre in Visakhapatnam, AP
In January 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS)(Independent Charge, IC) Dr Jitendra Singh, Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T) and Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), inaugurated the Shore-Based Laboratory of Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Institute of Oceanography (CSIR–NIO) Regional Centre at Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
About CSIR–NIO Regional Centre:
Infrastructure: The Rs 32 crore facility with a built-up area of 4,550 square metres (sq m) was constructed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) at Yendada Village, Rushikonda, Visakhapatnam.
Research: The centre focuses on marine geological and geophysical surveys of the Eastern Continental Margin of India (ECMI), including bathymetry mapping, tectonic studies, deep-sea exploration, and monsoon research in the Bay of Bengal.
Energy: The facility strengthens national energy security by supporting offshore oil, gas, hydrocarbon, and seabed mineral exploration.
Community: The centre contributes to the Blue Economy by supporting fisheries, coastal resilience, skill development, seaweed cultivation, and harmful algal bloom forecasting.