Blue Economy Initiative: Deep-Sea Exploration Off Poompuhar Coast

Project Launch Overview

The Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology is set to commence a groundbreaking deep-sea exploration project off the Poompuhar coast in September 2025. This ambitious initiative represents a significant milestone in India’s Blue Economy development and marine archaeological research.

Key Project Details

Timeline & Implementation

• Launch Date: Second week of September 2025
• Duration: Multi-year exploration program
• Budget Allocation: ₹7 crore for FY 2025-26
• Geographical Coverage: 50-kilometer stretch from Poompuhar to Nagapattinam

Implementing Agencies & Collaboration

• Primary: Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology
• Key Partners: Indian Maritime University (IMU), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), National Institute of Oceanography (NIO)
• Clearance: Central Advisory Board of Archaeology approval obtained

Historical Significance of Poompuhar

Project Poompuhar Study showcases deep-sea ultrasound scanning revealing ancient port structures like a lighthouse and dockyards off the Tamil Nadu coast .

Ancient Maritime Capital

Poompuhar, historically known as Kaveripoompattinam, served as the early capital of the Cholas and one of India’s most prominent ancient ports. The city flourished from the 2nd Century BCE onwards and maintained extensive trade networks across Asia and beyond.

Literary Documentation

• Sangam Literature: Extensively mentioned in ancient Tamil texts
• Epic References: Featured in Silappatikaram and Manimekalai
• Foreign Chronicles: Documented by Greek and Roman traders

Trade Networks

• Southeast Asia: Primary trading partner
• Roman Empire: Mediterranean trade connections
• Arabian Peninsula: Spice and textile trade
• Chinese Markets: Ceramic and silk trade

Previous Archaeological Discoveries

Historical Excavations

1980s NIO Surveys: Detection of structures at 20-30 meter depths

1990-1993 Major Discoveries:

• Brick formations and man-made underwater structures
• Shipwreck Discovery (1990): Near Vanagiri at 19.5m depth
• W. BLACKETT Shipwreck: Dutch vessel with lead ingots

2004 INS Darshak Survey: Identification of U-shaped structure at 23m depth

Significant Artifacts Recovered:

• Roman rouletted pottery and Chinese ceramics
• Terracotta Buddha head and Buddhist artifacts
• Ancient brick structures and ring wells
• Lead ingots from historical shipwrecks

Advanced Exploration Technologies

Two submersibles, CURASUB (underwater) and IDABEL (surface), used for deep-sea and marine exploration research frontiersin

Cutting-Edge Equipment

Geophysical Surveys:

• Side-scan Sonar: High-resolution seabed mappinG.
• Magnetometers: Metallic object detection
• Multi-beam Echo Sounders: Precise depth measurement

Underwater Vehicles:.

• ROVs (Remotely Operated Vehicles): Deep-sea exploration.
• Scientific Diving Operations: Direct archaeological investigation.
• Submersible Studies: Advanced underwater research.

Modern Analysis Methods:

• Ancient DNA Studies: Biological material analysis
• Metallurgical Analysis: Metal artifact examination
• OSL Dating: Optically Stimulated Luminescence dating

National Blue Economy Context

Deep Ocean Mission Integration

India’s Deep Ocean Mission, launched in 2021 with a budget of ₹4,077 crore over five years, provides the broader framework for this exploration.

Key Mission Components:

• Samudrayaan Programme: Manned submersible development
• Ocean Mineral Explorer (OMe 6000): Autonomous exploration vehicle
• Marine Biodiversity Studies: Ecosystem mapping
• Polymetallic Nodule Exploration: Deep-sea mineral resources

Prime Minister’s Vision: “Taking forward our Samudra Manthan, we want to work in a mission mode towards finding oil reserves, gas reserves under the sea”

Blue Economy Policy Framework

Key elements and benefits of the Blue Economy, including sustainable marine resource use, environmental protection, renewable energy, and economic inclusivity geeksforgeeks

Draft National Blue Economy Policy 2022

Target Sectors:

• Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture: Sustainable fishing practices
• Maritime Transport: Shipping infrastructure developmen
• Offshore Renewable Energy: Ocean-based clean energy
• Marine Biotechnology: Ocean-derived innovations
• Coastal Tourism: Sustainable ecotourism models
• Deep-sea Mining: Mineral resource extraction

Supporting National Programs:

• Sagarmala Project: Port modernization and coastal development
• Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana: Fisheries sector enhancement
• National Coastal Mission: Mangrove and coral conservation