Introduction
In a landmark move, India unveiled its plans for a new research station in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Kochi, scheduled from May 20 to 30, 2024. This significant development underscores India's unwavering commitment to scientific exploration and environmental preservation in one of the planet's most extreme and fragile regions. The event witnessed the participation of over 350 researchers and officials from nearly 40 countries, highlighting the spirit of international cooperation and the collective pursuit of scientific advancement in Antarctica.
Source: Hindustan Times
The Need for a New Research Facility
India's existing research station, Maitri, constructed in 1989, has reached the end of its operational lifespan. Initially designed to serve for a decade, the station has far exceeded expectations, but its aging infrastructure and limitations necessitate the establishment of a new, state-of-the-art facility. The proposed project aims to adhere to the environmental protocols for Antarctica and enhance the quality of Indian scientific research on the continent.
M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), emphasized the importance of the new station, stating, "The Maitri research station built in 1989 is old, and we wish to have a new station there. This is important for our research team. So, we will discuss this proposal and seek approval from member states."
Addressing Climate Change and Environmental Protection
While the construction of a new research station is a top priority, the overarching agenda of the ATCM meeting was to focus on tracking climate change impacts, assessing past climate data, and improving the monitoring of climate impacts in Antarctica. Ravichandran highlighted the significance of these efforts, emphasizing that they are "the most important agenda of the meeting."
Regulating Tourism in Antarctica
In a pioneering move, the ATCM for the first time, addressed the pressing issue of regulating tourism in Antarctica. With the number of visitors to the continent increasing significantly in recent years, the potential impact on the fragile Antarctic environment has become a front-burner issue. India is at the forefront of these discussions, backed by like-minded European nations, particularly the Netherlands.
Ravichandran underscored the urgency of this matter, stating, "Tourism needs to be regulated in Antarctica. India is driving discussions on this. We need to regulate the number of visitors, areas that can be accessible, areas that need to be protected, seasons when tourism can be allowed, and how the whereabouts of visitors can be effectively and continuously monitored. We believe this is very important for Antarctica's ecology."
India's Role in Antarctic Governance
As a committed member of the Antarctic Treaty System, India plays a crucial role in governing scientific exploration and environmental protection in Antarctica. The country has the right to propose and vote on decisions and resolutions made during the ATCM regarding administration, scientific research, environmental protection, and logistical cooperation. Additionally, India can establish research stations, conduct scientific programs and logistic operations, enforce environmental regulations, and access scientific data and research findings shared by Antarctic Treaty members.
The MoES emphasized India's commitment to the Antarctic Treaty System, stating, "India, being a committed member of the Antarctic Treaty System, recognizes the pressing need to address the growing tourism activities in Antarctica and their potential impact on the continent's fragile environment."
Photo shared by @ncaor_goa / X
Comprehensive Tourism Regulations
India has advocated for a comprehensive, proactive, and effective tourism policy anchored in precautionary principles. While discussions around regulating tourism have been ongoing in ATCMs since 1966, this year's meeting marks the first time a dedicated working group has been formulated specifically for this purpose.
Thamban Meloth, Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), highlighted India's legal framework for regulating activities in Antarctica through the Indian Antarctic Act enacted in 2022. "The Indian Antarctic Act aligns India's tourism regulations with international standards and collaborates with other Antarctic Treaty nations to achieve common conservation goals," he said.
India's Antarctic Research Legacy
For over four decades, India has been a significant player in Antarctic research, establishing bases and launching annual expeditions on the continent. The country's Antarctic research activities began in 1981 with its first indigenous mission, leading to the establishment of the Dakshin Gangotri base in 1983 and the operationalization of the Maitri research station in 1989. While Dakshin Gangotri was decommissioned in 1990 after being submerged in ice, it was later repurposed as a supply base.
In 2012, India expanded its presence in Antarctica with the commissioning of the Bharati station, constructed using 134 shipping containers. This innovative engineering feat showcased India's ability to adapt to the extreme Antarctic environment. Managed by the Goa-based NCPOR under the MoES, India's Antarctic Programme involves annual expeditions to conduct comprehensive studies in marine, biological, geological, and atmospheric sciences.
Conclusion
As India unveils its plans for a new research station in Antarctica, the nation reaffirms its commitment to global scientific exploration and environmental preservation. The proposed facility represents a significant stride forward in India's Antarctic research capabilities, while the discussions on regulating tourism and addressing climate change impacts highlight the country's leadership in promoting responsible stewardship of this unique and pristine region.
With its long-standing presence and contributions to polar research, India is poised to play an even more significant role in advancing scientific understanding and safeguarding the delicate Antarctic ecosystem for generations to come.
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