India has decided to build a new research station in Antarctica to replace the “very old” predecessor station Maitri. Kiren Rijiju, Minister of Earth Sciences, has announced the government’s intention to establish a new research station in East Antarctica. The station is to be located in the immediate vicinity of the existing Indian research base Maitri.
A group of Indian polar researchers has now succeeded in finding an ideal location for the construction of the future Indian research station Maitri-II in the Antarctic.
Thamban Meloth, Director of the National Center for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) gave the Indian media an insight into the key factors that were considered for the smooth operation of the new station. These factors include the availability of water, crew transportation and waste disposal. The expected schedule for completion is set for January 2029.
While experts from the Survey of India are currently conducting a topographical survey of the site, Meloth mentioned that high-resolution maps will soon be released that will provide valuable insights into the new site. He reiterated that Maitri-II will comply with all environmental regulations in the region and will be a state-of-the-art facility.
The decision to build a new station is due to the outdated infrastructure of the Maitri base. The main objective is to improve the quality of Indian scientific research in Antarctica while adhering to strict environmental protocols for the region.
The Indian Antarctic Program, overseen by the National Centre for Polar and Oceanic Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, has been actively contributing to Antarctic research since its inception in 1981. India’s commitment to scientific exploration in the region gained international recognition with the signing of the Antarctic Treaty. This commitment led to the establishment of research bases, including Dakshin Gangotri in 1983 and Maitri in 1989. The most recent addition to India’s presence in Antarctica is the Bharati base, which was commissioned in 2012 and was built from 134 shipping containers.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
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