The LTTD plant, commissioned and demonstrated successfully off Kavaratti, Lakshadweep in 2004, has given people in the island easy access to potable water.

With their capacity to absorb hydrocarbons and non-polar lipid and the ability to survive in harsh conditions, microalgae have emerged as a viable alternative. NIOT recently isolated more than 260 algal strains and cultivated them to produce bio-diesel.

Observations in Polar Regions are essential for understanding changing climate. This article provides insights into how a floating laboratory—the Polar Research Vessel, is designed and built to meet the mission requirements of scientific users.

The NIOT was established in 1993 for catering to the requirement of developing technology for exploring oceans and harnessing underwater resources.

With maximum sustainable yield in capture fisheries achieved, technological innovations to increase yields seem imperative. In a recent breakthrough cages that can withstand turbulent seas have been developed by National Institute of Ocean Technology. The organisation is also involving the fisher community of Olaikuda for a large scale culture.

Technological developments are yet to reach most of Lakshadweep’s islands and implementation of solutions are hampered by the remoteness and lack of logistic support. Advanced solutions are thus, imperative to achieve a degree of self sufficiency.

The mismatch between increasing demand and decline in water availability due to overexploitation and climate change is a critical issue for policy makers. Desalination, which is the conversion of seawater to potable water through various physical and chemical methods, has emerged as a potential solution to India’s looming water crisis. The most important concern however is cost effectivity of the methodology, type of energy used for desalination and sustainability of the plant.