Indian Antarctic Bill introduced in the Parliament

[GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology]

The ministry says the proposed legislation will provide for national measures to protect the environment by permitting certain activities.The bill was introduced by the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences.

India signed the Antarctic treaty back in 1983.

The Indian Antarctic Bill:

• The Indian Antarctic Bill is a legislative step to furnish regulatory backup to the country’s activities in Antarctica.

• The proposed bill allows for national measures to protect the Antarctic Ecosystem and give effect to the treaty.

• The proposed legislation includes:

1. National measures to protect the environment of the ice continent by permitting certain activities.

2. A scientific expedition is allowed in the ice continent but there is a prohibition to introduce certain substances or products into Antarctica.

3. India’s interest and proactive involvement in the management of growing Antarctic tourism.

4. Sustainable development of fisheries resources in Antarctic waters.

5. In the future, the private shipping and aviation industry might promote tourism and fishing that would need to be regulated through legislation.

6. The bill allows a special permit from the Secretariat of the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources for commercial fishing in the Ice continent waters.

7. It has proposed the formation of a committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

• Currently, 54 countries have agreed to the Antarctic Treaty and 29 countries, including India, have a right to vote.

• India’s research stations in Antarctica:

1. Dakshin Gangotri
2. Maitri
3. Bharti

The Antarctic Treaty:

• The treaty was signed on 1st December 1959 between 12 countries.

• The aim was to make the Antarctic continent a demilitarized zone and to be conserved for scientific research.

• The 12 countries are Australia, Argentina, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the UK, and the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

• It came into force in 1961. India became a member of this treaty in 1983.

• The major provisions of the treaty include:

1. The continent welcomes peaceful grounds
2. Prohibition of military activities
3. Prohibition of nuclear tests
4. Prohibition of disposal of radioactive waste
5. Freedom of scientific research
6. Neutralize territorial sovereignty

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