(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 ?
(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 ?
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.