Indian Antarctic Programme

The Indian Antarctic Programme is a remarkable multi-disciplinary initiative under the control of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. Let’s delve into its fascinating history:

Origins and Geo-Political Achievement:

• The Indian missions to Antarctica trace back to the joint agreements between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Hydro meteorological Centre of Russia. Dr. Paramjit Singh Sehra was among the Indians who participated in the 17th Soviet Antarctic expedition from 1971 to 1973.
• India officially acceded to the Antarctic Treaty System on August 1, 1983, becoming the fifteenth Consultative Member of the Antarctic Treaty.

First Indian Expedition to Antarctica:

• In 1981–1982, India launched its first-ever Antarctic expedition led by Dr. Sayed Zahoor Qasim.
• This historic mission laid the foundation for India’s scientific exploration in the icy continent.

Research Bases:

The programme gained global recognition with the construction of research bases:

• Dakshin Gangotri (1983): India’s first Antarctic research base, superseded by Maitri in 1989.
• Maitri: Continues to be a hub for scientific studies.
• Bharati (2012): Constructed from 134 shipping containers, adding to India’s research capabilities.

Scientific Endeavors:

• Under this programme, India conducts research in atmospheric, biological, earth, chemical, and medical sciences.
• Over 40 scientific expeditions have been carried out by India in Antarctica.
• The programme exemplifies India’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge in extreme environments.

Logistics and Funding:

• Each expedition costs up to INR 200 million (approximately US$2.5 million).
• The Indian armed forces provide logistical support for various activities.
• The launching points for Indian expeditions have varied from Goa in India to Cape Town in South Africa.

Dakshin Gangotri, India’s pioneering scientific base station in Antarctica, stands as a testament to human ingenuity and resilience. Let’s delve into its remarkable success story:

Inception and Establishment:

• Dakshin Gangotri was India’s first-ever Antarctic research station, established during the third Indian expedition to Antarctica in 1983–84.
• Located at a distance of 2,500 kilometers (1,600 miles) from the South Pole, it marked India’s entry into the realm of polar exploration.

Swift Construction:

• The station was built in just eight weeks by an 81-member team, including geologist Sudipta Sengupta.
• With assistance from the Indian army, Dakshin Gangotri was completed in late January 1984.
• The occasion was celebrated alongside the Soviets and East Germans on Indian Republic Day.

Features and Innovations:

• Unmanned Station: Dakshin Gangotri was unmanned, operated using indigenous Indian equipment.
• Solar-Powered: It relied on solar energy for power generation.
• Computerized Data Recording: The station was entirely computerized to record all scientific data.
• Timber Construction: Built with pre-fabricated timber, it was intended as a permanent station.
• Communication Facilities: Included an Inmarsat terminal and an amateur radio station.

Scientific Endeavors:

Dakshin Gangotri served as a hub for various scientific studies:

• Physical oceanography
• Freshwater lake chemistry
• Biological traits of land and water
• Geology, glaciology, and geomagnetism

Notable Achievements:

• In 1984, a site for a new runway was identified nearby.
• Philatelic Covers: 2000 philatelic covers were marked with Dakshin Gangotri.
• A small field station allowed direct communication via high-frequency satellite link with the Indian mainland.

Energy Research:

• Instruments like the Automatic Picture Transmission Receiver and the Radio Metre Sonde were set up to calculate wind velocities and solar intensities.
• These studies assessed the feasibility of generating wind and solar energy in Antarctica.

Transition and Legacy:

• Dakshin Gangotri was succeeded by the Maitri research station in 1990.
• It was decommissioned on February 25, 1990, but its legacy lives on as a supply base.

India’s Antarctic Programme stands as a testament to human curiosity, resilience, and collaborative scientific efforts across borders. Dakshin Gangotri’s story exemplifies India’s commitment to scientific exploration, even in the harshest of environments. 🇮🇳❄️🔬