Indian Antarctic Bill 2022 passed

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions

Source: The Hindu

Context: The Lok Sabha passed the Indian Antarctica Bill, 2022 under its obligations as a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty

Objectives: To demilitarise Antarctica, establish it as a zone free of nuclear tests and the disposal of radioactive waste, and ensure that it is used for peaceful purposes only; to promote international scientific cooperation in Antarctica and to set aside disputes over territorial sovereignty.

Need for legislation:

• The Antarctic treaty ( signed in 1959 and implemented in 1961) made it mandatory for the 54 signatory countries to specific laws governing territories on which their stations are located. India signed the treaty in 1983 and therefore a law was needed to preserve the pristine Antarctic environment and ocean around it.
• India is also a member of of
  • Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
  • Council of Managers of National Antarctic Programme ( COMNAP)
  • Scientific Committee of Antarctica Research (SCAR)

Key features of the bill:

• Applicability: It will apply to any person, foreigners, corporations, firms, vessels or aircraft that is a part of an Indian expedition to Antarctica.
• Central Committee: 10 members ( to be nominated from various ministries) + two experts (on the Antarctic) + chairman (Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Science)
  • It will give permits, ensure compliance and review information provided by parties to the treaty.
  • Private tours and expeditions to Antarctica would be prohibited without a permit or written authorisation by a Member country.
  • Permit can be granted only after the environmental impact assessment and waste management plan have been prepared.
• Prohibited activities: The Bill prohibits certain activities in Antarctica including
  • nuclear explosion or disposal of radioactive wastes
  • introduction of non-sterile soil
  • discharge of garbage, plastic or other substance into the sea which is harmful to the marine environment.
• Offences and penalties (extends the jurisdiction of Indian courts to Antarctica) :
  • Conducting a nuclear explosion in Antarctica will be punishable with an imprisonment of 20 years which may extend to life imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 50 crore.
  • Drilling for mineral resources or introducing non-native animals or plants in Antarctica without a permit will be punishable with imprisonment of up to seven years and a fine between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50 lakh.
  • The central government may notify one or more Sessions Courts to be the Designated Court under the Bill and specify its territorial jurisdiction to try offences punishable under the Bill.
• Antarctic Fund: For the welfare of Antarctic research work and the protection of the Antarctic environment.
• Establishes a ‘Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection.’ 

Practice Questions

Q. Discuss the objectives of the Antarctic Treaty. Is it relevant still today? Discuss. (15M)