Antarctica Treaty and India

the land exploration of Antarctica is recent, most of it being accomplished during the twentieth century. By mid-century, permanent stations were being established and planning was underway for the International Geophysical Year (IGY) in 1957-58, the first substantial multi-nation research program in Antarctica. The outstanding success of the IGY led these nations to agree that… Continue reading The Antarctica Treaty

stipulates that Antarctica should be used exclusively for peaceful purposes, military activities, such as the establishment of military bases or weapons testing, are specifically prohibited; guarantees continued freedom to conduct scientific research, as enjoyed during the IGY; Promotes international scientific cooperation including the exchange of research plans and personnel, and requires that results of research… Continue reading 14 articles of The Antarctica Treaty

The Treaty System includes the recommendations, measures, decisions and resolutions of the Consultative Meetings relating to matters such as: Scientific cooperation; protection of the Antarctic environment; conservation of plants and animals; preservation of historic sites; designation and management of protected areas; management of tourism; information exchange; collection of meteorological data; hydrographic charting; logistic cooperation; and… Continue reading The Antarctic Treaty System

Dakshin Gangotri was the first Indian scientific research base station established in Antarctica, as a part of the Indian Antarctic Program. Located at a distance of 2,500 kilometres from the South Pole, it was established during the third Indian expedition to Antarctica in 1983/84. This was the first time an Indian team spent a winter… Continue reading Dakshin Gangotri

Maitri is India’s second permanent research station in Antarctica. It was built and finished in 1989, shortly before the first station Dakshin Gangotri was buried in ice and abandoned in 1990/91. Maitri is situated on the rocky mountainous region called Schirmacher Oasis. India also built a freshwater lake around Maitri known as Lake Priyadarshini.

Bharti, India’s latest research station operation since 2012, has been constructed using 134 recycled shipping containers, to help researchers work in safety despite the harsh weather. It is India’s first committed research facility and is located about 3000 km east of Maitri. Bharti made India an elite member of the club of nine nations that… Continue reading Bharti

In 2008, India commissioned the Sagar Nidhi, the pride of the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), for research. An ice class vessel, it can cut through thin ice of 40 cm depth and is the first Indian vessel to navigate Antarctic waters. The ship is the first of its kind in the country and… Continue reading Sagar Nidhi