India’s Polar Research Initiatives: A Comprehensive Overview
This article delves into India’s engagements in the fields of Antarctic and Arctic research, focusing on recent initiatives, major schemes, and their implementation. In particular, it highlights the Polar Science and Cryosphere (PACER) scheme, the significant work conducted under this agenda, the role of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), and other major initiatives by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It also covers India’s missions to the poles and attempts to contribute to the world’s understanding of these crucial yet fragile environments.
The PACER Scheme: An Overview
Recently approved for continuation from 2021 till 2026 by the Union Cabinet, the PACER scheme encapsulates six major components. They cover the construction of a polar research vessel, developing the third research base in Antarctica, bolstering Indian scientific activities in the Arctic, undertaking polar expeditions to Antarctica and executing Southern Ocean Expeditions.
At the heart of its implementation stands the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
Major Works under the PACER Scheme
The PACER scheme has facilitated several milestone projects in polar research. Studies were conducted in the lakes of Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica to understand biogeochemical processes in supraglacial environments. The IndARC mooring system was successfully deployed in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, while glaciological field campaigns took place in six benchmark glaciers in Chandra basin. Two new Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) systems were installed at Baralacha La, a high elevation site in the arid Spiti region. Also, the 11th Indian Southern Ocean Expedition was successfully executed.
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
The NCPOR is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences entrusted with the management and upkeep of the Indian Antarctic Research Bases “Maitri” and “Bharati”, and the Indian Arctic base “Himadri”. Additionally, it manages the Ministry’s research vessel Ocean Research Vehicle (ORV) Sagar Kanya and other chartered research vessels. The Centre plays a facilitatory role in the scientific research activities being undertaken by several national institutions and organisations and leads geoscientific surveys. It is stationed in Goa.
Other Major Initiatives of the Ministry of Earth Sciences
The Ministry of Earth Sciences has launched several initiatives to augment India’s polar and ocean research portfolio, including the IndARC system, the Ocean Services, Technology, Observations, Resources Modelling and Science (O-SMART), and the ACROSS Scheme.
India’s Arctic Missions
India embarked on its first scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean in 2007 and opened a research base named “Himadri” in Svalbard, Norway in July 2008 for studies in Glaciology, Atmospheric sciences & Biological sciences.
India’s Antarctic Missions
India officially joined the Antarctic Treaty System on 1st August 1983 and has been developing its infrastructure in Antarctica. It is rebuilding the Maitri station while commissioning new bases like Bharati. Moreover, it deployed the Sagar Nidhi, an ice-class vessel, in 2008 for research in Antarctic waters.
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