Why in news? The Government of India has approved a ₹2,000‑crore project to build Maitri II, a new research base on the eastern coast of Antarctica. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research aims to complete construction by early 2029, replacing the ageing Maitri station that has served Indian expeditions since 1989.
Background
India’s Antarctic journey began with Dakshin Gangotri in 1983, but heavy snow made it unsustainable. Maitri was established in 1989 and accommodates 25–40 scientists at a time, providing regulated electricity and basic facilities such as incinerator toilets. After more than three decades, its wooden structures have deteriorated and cannot meet modern scientific or environmental standards. Upgrading India’s polar presence is thus essential for ongoing climate and geoscience research.
What Maitri II will offer
- Expanded capacity: The new base will be far larger, with modular laboratories, comfortable living quarters, a library, medical bay and recreational spaces, allowing more researchers to work year‑round.
- Renewable energy: Maitri II will harness wind turbines and solar panels to reduce dependence on diesel generators. Enhanced insulation and waste‑heat recovery will minimise energy consumption.
- Modern infrastructure: Plans include advanced waste treatment, sewage systems and incinerator toilets to meet strict Antarctic Treaty regulations. Automated weather and oceanographic instruments will collect data even during the long, harsh winter when human activity is minimal.
- Construction timeline: Engineers expect to finalise designs and environmental assessments within 18 months. Prefabricated modules will be built in India, shipped by cargo vessel and assembled on site during the short austral summer. Maitri I will continue to operate as a summer camp once Maitri II becomes operational.
Why it matters
A modern research station will allow Indian scientists to study climate change, glaciology, geology and atmospheric chemistry more effectively. It will enhance India’s contribution to global polar science, support international collaborations and assert India’s commitment to the peaceful and sustainable use of Antarctica.
Source: The Indian Express.