(a) the number and details of the temporary and permanent research centers related to Polar science;
(b) the number of scientists working in each research centre;
(c) whether the Government propose to set up polar research centers in the snowy continent of Antarctica in future;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the estimated expenditure on setting up such a Centre and the benefits likely to be arrived therefrom ?
THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT, MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (DR. MURLI MANOHAR JOSHI)
(a) National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa is the only research centre exclusively devoted to research on Polar Science in the country.
(b) There are 11 (eleven) scientists presently working in the Centre.
( c), (d) & (e) In Antaractica, India`s only permanent scienrific station `Maitri` was established in 1988. Here scientists carry out research round the year. `Maitri` has laboratory facilities for conducting research/experiments in the fields of geology, Geophysics, Glaciology, geomagnetism, Seismology and Atmospheric and environmental sciences. As regards setting up of additional research centre in Antarctica, no final decision has been taken.