Maitri II Station

India's Maitri II Station is set to become the country’s newest research facility in Antarctica, and the Finance Ministry has recently approved the project. This station will be an expansion of India’s polar research capabilities, especially in eastern Antarctica.

Key Highlights of Maitri II Station:

1. Location and Size:

   • Maitri II will be established in eastern Antarctica and will be larger than the existing Maitri I station.

   • The station will be designed as a green research base, focusing on sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

2. Renewable Energy Use:

   • The station will primarily use renewable energy to power its operations.

     • Solar power will be utilized during the summer months.

     • Wind energy will be harnessed to take advantage of the strong Antarctic winds.

3. Automation and Data Collection:

   • Automated instruments will be deployed at Maitri II to continuously collect data and transmit it back to India, ensuring that research continues even if the station is unmanned for extended periods. This is particularly important for the harsh winter months when human presence will be limited.

4. Construction Timeline:

   • The construction of Maitri II is expected to be completed by January 2029.

5. Nodal Agency:

   • The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is the nodal agency responsible for managing operations and organizing missions to both Antarctica and the Arctic.

Current Maitri Station (Maitri I):

• Maitri I, India’s first major research station in Antarctica, has been operational since 1989.

• The station is located in the Schirmacher Oasis, a 20 km-long ice-free landmass in East Antarctica.

• It includes facilities such as:

  • A main building

  • Fuel farm and fuel station

  • Lake water pump house

  • Summer camp and several smaller containerized modules

• Accommodation: The station can accommodate between 25 to 40 scientists, depending on seasonal requirements.

• Other Indian Bases in Antarctica:

  • Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first base in Antarctica, which operated for several years.

  • Bharati: Currently operational since 2012.

Why is Maitri II Important?

• Scientific Contribution: The new station will enhance India's research capabilities in the polar region, contributing to global research on climate change, glaciology, and environmental studies.

• Sustainability: By focusing on renewable energy, Maitri II represents a commitment to green technology even in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

• Technological Advancements: With the use of automated instruments, the station will be able to continue gathering valuable data, even when human researchers are not present, which is critical for long-term environmental monitoring.

• Strategic Importance: India’s enhanced presence in Antarctica strengthens its scientific and geopolitical role in the polar region, which has increasing importance in global climate discussions.

India’s Research Stations in Antarctica: A Brief Overview

India has established a strong scientific presence in Antarctica through its India Antarctica Programme, operating multiple research stations.

1. India’s Research Stations in Antarctica

• Dakshin Gangotri (1983):

  • First permanent research station in Antarctica, established in 1983.

  • Located in Queen Maud Land, the station was operational until it was abandoned due to a combination of ice sheet movement and weather-related challenges. It marked India’s entry into Antarctic scientific research.

• Maitri (1988):

  • Second permanent research station, operational since 1988.

  • Located in the Schirmacher Oasis in East Antarctica, it’s a region of ice-free land, making it conducive for scientific research.

  • Lake Priyadarshini, a freshwater lake, was also developed by India around Maitri for research purposes.

  • Maitri supports research in fields like glaciology, meteorology, and environmental science.

• Bharati (2012):

  • India’s third research station, operational since 2012.

  • It is located about 3,000 km east of Maitri in the Larsen C Ice Shelf area, providing a unique location for various scientific investigations.

  • Bharati focuses on diverse studies, including oceanography, marine biology, and climate change.

India Antarctica Programme

• The India Antarctica Programme is a scientific research and exploration initiative run by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), which is based in Goa.

• India’s first expedition to Antarctica took place in 1981, marking the beginning of India’s polar research journey.

India Antarctica Act 2022

The India Antarctica Act, 2022 was enacted to align India's Antarctic activities with international standards, ensuring sustainable and responsible research while adhering to global norms.

• Key Objectives:

  • Compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and the Protocol on Environmental Protection.

  • Establishes a Central Committee on Antarctica Governance and Environmental Protection, which will operate under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

  • Includes provisions for the creation of an Antarctica Fund aimed at supporting research and environmental protection efforts in Antarctica.

  • Provides penalties for violations, such as 20-year imprisonment for conducting nuclear explosions in Antarctica.

• Prohibited Activities:

  • Nuclear explosions and radioactive waste disposal.

  • Introduction of non-sterile soil or other harmful substances.

  • Discharge of garbage, plastic, or other harmful substances into the Antarctic marine environment.

  • Damage or removal of historic sites or monuments.

• Permits:

  • Required for any Indian expedition to enter or remain in Antarctica, as well as for activities like mineral extraction, drilling, or waste disposal.

Key Treaties Governing Antarctica

1. The Antarctica Treaty (1959)

• Foundation: The Antarctic Treaty was signed on 1st December 1959 and came into force in 1961. It remains the only treaty that governs the whole of a continent, excluding the high seas, which are governed by international law.

• Membership: Initially signed by 12 countries, it now has 54 member parties. India became a party in 1983.

• Core Provisions:

  • Peaceful Use: Antarctica is designated as a zone of peace where military activities are forbidden, and only scientific research is permitted.

  • Nuclear Weapons-Free Zone: The continent is the world’s first nuclear-weapon-free zone, and no military activities or nuclear tests are allowed.

  • Territorial Neutrality: The treaty neutralizes territorial claims. No new claims can be made, and existing claims cannot be expanded.

  • Scientific Freedom: The treaty promotes scientific research, and freedom of scientific investigation is a key component.

  • Dispute Resolution: Disputes among parties are to be resolved through peaceful negotiations or, failing that, arbitration or adjudication by the International Court of Justice.

2. Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol, 1991)

• Provisions:

  • Environmental Protection: Introduced in 1991 and enforced in 1998, this protocol designates Antarctica as a natural reserve dedicated to peace and science.

  • Prohibition on Mining: The protocol explicitly prohibits mining activities in Antarctica.

  • Environmental Impact Assessments: Before new activities are undertaken, they must undergo environmental impact assessments.

3. Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR, 1982)

• This agreement focuses on protecting marine life in Antarctica, with an emphasis on preserving marine ecosystems and their sustainability.

• Its main objective is to prevent overfishing and safeguard the delicate marine environment around Antarctica.

Geography and Climate of Antarctica

• Location: Antarctica is the world’s southernmost continent, situated almost entirely south of the 60°S latitude.

• Division: The continent is divided into two regions:

  • East Antarctica: The larger portion, characterized by the East Antarctic Ice Sheet.

  • West Antarctica: Smaller but includes the West Antarctic Ice Sheet and key regions like the Larsen Ice Shelf.

• Climate: It is the coldest, windiest, driest, and ** iciest** continent on Earth. Average temperatures range from -20°C to -60°C during winter.

• Ice and Water: Antarctica contains approximately 90% of the world’s ice and 80% of its fresh water. The Ross Sea and Weddell Sea are major geographical features surrounding the continent.

• No Permanent Population: Antarctica does not have a native population and is governed as a Global Common, free from territorial claims.

Conclusion

India's Antarctica Programme reflects a commitment to scientific research in one of the most challenging environments on Earth. India’s Maitri, Bharati, and Dakshin Gangotri research stations serve as pillars of this program, while the India Antarctica Act, 2022 ensures that all activities are conducted responsibly and in compliance with international environmental protections.