(a) The number of stations set up by India in Antarctica;
(b) The programmes being researched at those stations;
(c) The achievements of the `Dakshin Gangotri` and `Maitri` stations; and
(d) The future plan for setting up of new Antarctica station and the new programmes for the next five years?
THE MINISTER OF HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT, MINISTER OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT ( DR. MURLI MANOHAR )
(a) India has set up two permanent station in Antarctica, namely `Dakshin Gangotri` during 1983 and `Maitri` during 1988.
(b) and (c) Since 1983 the stations have been providing requisite infrastructure facilities for accommodating the wintering teams and for carrying out scientific research in the fields of Atmospheric Sciences, Earth Sciences & Global Change, Engineering & Communication, etc.
(d) For establishment of another permanent station in Antarctica, necessary reconnaissance survey will be taken up during 2004-05. Some of the new programmes which will be initiated during the next five years include studies on Lake Biology, Paleoclimate, Antarctic microbes, relation of the Antarctic plate with the Indian plate, telemedicine, clean energy technology, etc.