National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) organised the 8th Meeting of the BRICS Working Group on Ocean Polar Science and Technology (OPST) in Goa. The meeting was hosted by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).

About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) was established as an autonomous Research and Development institution on 25 May 1998.

It was formerly known as the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).

NCPOR has been at the forefront of India's scientific expeditions and research programmes in the Polar Regions and the Southern Ocean.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, is the nodal ministry associated with NCPOR.

Its headquarters are located at Vasco da Gama, Goa.

Functions of NCPOR

Coordination of Indian Antarctic Programme

NCPOR is designated as the nodal organisation for coordinating and implementing the Indian Antarctic Programme. It is also responsible for conducting polar expeditions and research activities in the Antarctic, Arctic, Southern Ocean and Himalayan regions.

Strategic Ocean and Polar Projects

NCPOR undertakes strategically important projects related to India's ocean and polar research.

These include mapping of India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), continental shelf surveys and activities associated with the Deep Ocean Mission.

Indian Research Stations

NCPOR has established and operationalised India's permanent research stations in different polar regions.

Antarctica

India has established three major research stations in Antarctica:

DakshinGangotri, Maitri and Bharati.

Arctic

In the Arctic, India operates the research station Himadri.

Himalayas

NCPOR has also established the Himansh research station in the Himalayan region.