Content for Mains Enrichment
Source: TOI
Context: In December 1983, India established its first permanent base in Antarctica, Dakshin Gangotri, during the Project Gangotri mission.
Led by Harsh Gupta, the expedition faced challenges, including a helicopter accident. Despite setbacks, the team, comprising defence personnel and scientists, achieved the goal of setting up the permanent base within 60 days. The base, equipped with laboratories, living quarters, and recreational facilities, marked India’s year-round presence in Antarctica. The mission showcased India’s commitment to scientific exploration and the challenges overcome to establish a permanent foothold in the icy continent.
Usage: The story reflects values of determination, resilience, and commitment to scientific exploration.
Other initiatives
- Dakshin Gangotri (abandoned in 1990)
- Maitri (operational since 1988)
- Bharati (operational since 2012)
- National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa-an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (it manages India’s Antarctic program)
- India is a party to the Antarctic Treaty, which seeks it shall be used for peaceful purposes only.
- Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, provides measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and associated ecosystems etc.
