Paper: GS – III, Subject: Science and Technology, Topic: S & T Initiatives – India and Global, Issue: Maitri II.
Context:
India’s ambitious plan to establish its fourth research base in Antarctica, named Maitri II.
Key Takeaways:
Maitri II: India’s New Antarctic Research Station:
- Approval and Funding: The Finance Ministry has approved the Maitri II project, allocating approximately ₹12,000 crores (around $1.44 billion USD) over seven years.
- This substantial investment underscores the importance India places on Antarctic research.
- Location: Maitri II will be constructed in eastern Antarctica.
- The specific location within eastern Antarctica will be determined based on scientific and logistical considerations.
- Timeline: The project aims to have Maitri II built and operational by January 2029.
- This ambitious timeline requires careful planning and execution.
- Nodal Agency: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), based in Goa and under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MOES), is the nodal agency responsible for the project.
- NCPOR will oversee the construction, operation, and scientific activities at Maitri II.
| Antarctica Region: It is the world’s southernmost and fifth-largest continent.It is divided into 2 parts: East Antarctica (Largest) and West Antarctica.Major geographical features: Ross Sea, Weddell Sea.Climate: It is the world’s driest, windiest, coldest, and iciest continent.Jurisdiction: It is considered a Global Common and does not come under the jurisdiction of any single Nation/Government.It does not have any native population.Its Continental ice sheet represents about 90% of the world’s ice and 80% of its fresh water. |
India’s Existing Antarctic Research Stations:
- Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first research base in Antarctica, established in 1983. It is no longer operational, having been submerged under ice.
- Maitri: Operational since 1989, Maitri serves as a year-round research station, supporting a variety of scientific activities.
- Bharati: Established in 2012, Bharati is India’s newest research station, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for polar research.
Significance of Maitri II:
Maitri II will complement the existing infrastructure, expanding India’s research capabilities in Antarctica and allowing for a more comprehensive understanding of the continent’s role in the global environment.
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