Question : RESEARCH STATION IN ANTARCTICA



(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a another research station in Antarctica;

(b) if so, the present status thereof: and

(c) the time by which it is, likely to be set up ?

Answer given by the minister


MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AND MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE DEPARTMENT OF OCEAN DEVELOPMENT (KAPIL SIBAL)

(a) Yes Sir.

(b) The department of ocean development has selected a site at Larsmann Hill at latitude 69° South and longitude 76° East after conducting preliminary surveys during the Antarctic summer of 2003-04 and 2004-05. Detailed surveys on environmental parameters as mandated under the Environmental Protocol of the Antarctic Treaty and also from logistics and scientific considerations, are proposed to be carried during the Antarctic summer of 2005-06. Based on these survey, proposal for getting clearance under the Environmental Protocol will be submitted to the Consultative body of the Antarctic Treaty.

(c) At this stage it is not possible to give a time frame for setting up of the station.