Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Minister Prithviraj Chavan inaugurated a major expansion of the main building of the National Institute of Oceanography (NIO) on its main campus at Dona Paula near Panaji. Addressing media persons after the inauguration, Mr. Chavan said his ministry is committed to support both Ocean and Antarctica research for further development of the country and the humanity. He said the union ministry of science and technology will procure three research vessels by this year for the NIO to undertake research in the oceans. The vessels, he said, will cost 250 crore rupees and are undergoing final tests at present.<br/> The building inaugurated by the Minister on Monday will house a number of state of the art equipment for multidisciplinary specialized studies including sedimentary analyses, isotope studies and microbial ecology studies.