Maitri II Antarctica

India is set to expand its scientific presence in Antarctica with the approval of Maitri II Antarctica, a new research station planned in eastern Antarctica. The Finance Ministry has sanctioned a budget of approximately ₹2,000 crore for this ambitious project.

Slated to be operational by January 2029, Maitri II Antarctica will become India’s fourth facility on the continent. The project will be led by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

While India is focusing on advanced scientific projects like Maitri II Antarctica, the Caste Census in India remains a crucial socio-economic exercise to understand demographic patterns and plan inclusive development policies. 

Background and Existing Indian Antarctic Bases

India’s Antarctic research began in the early 1980s. The first base, Dakshin Gangotri, was operational briefly, marking India’s initial foray into polar research. Following this, the Maitri station, established in 1989, and the Bharati station, operational since 2012, have supported India’s scientific missions in Antarctica.

The Maitri station is situated in the Schirmacher Oasis, an ice-free area surrounded by ice sheets in East Antarctica. It accommodates 25 to 40 researchers and is equipped with laboratories, living quarters, and essential power supply systems. Together, these facilities form the foundation of Indian polar research stations, paving the way for the next-generation Maitri II Antarctica research station.

Significance of Antarctica for Research

• Antarctica, the world’s fifth-largest continent, is mostly covered by ice sheets that have existed for over 25 million years.

• The continent holds 75% of Earth’s freshwater reserves and is characterised by extreme cold, dryness, and strong winds.

For Indian scientists, Antarctica provides a unique opportunity to study climate change, glaciology, atmospheric science, and biodiversity in extreme conditions. Research at Antarctic research facilities in India, like Maitri II Antarctica, can contribute to global understanding of environmental changes.

At the same time, the Caste Census in India helps ensure that benefits from scientific projects reach marginalised communities, reflecting India’s commitment to inclusive development.

Need for Maitri II

• The existing Maitri station is ageing and faces challenges, including waste management and outdated infrastructure.

• The Maitri II research station is planned to be a larger, modern, and environmentally friendly facility.

• The new station will integrate renewable energy in Antarctica, using solar and wind power to minimise environmental impact.

• With advanced automated instruments capable of remote data transmission, Maitri II Antarctica can operate unmanned for certain periods.

• This approach ensures that researchers from diverse backgrounds, guided by data from the Caste Census in India, can participate without logistical constraints.

Planning and Construction of Maitri II Antarctica

• Site selection and terrain mapping for Maitri II Antarctica have been underway since 2023. A German company, having won the design competition, will prepare the Detailed Project Report and conduct environmental assessments for the Maitri II research station.

• Construction in Antarctica is complex due to extreme weather and ecological sensitivity. Materials for the Maitri II construction project must be prefabricated and shipped from India via South Africa.

• Building activities are limited to the brief Antarctic summer months, from October to March.

• The Schirmacher Oasis site selected for Maitri II station offers logistical advantages and allows India to continue its legacy in polar research while expanding capacity to accommodate up to 90 scientists.

• Data from the Caste Census in India can indirectly support future workforce planning and inclusivity for government-funded projects like the Maitri II Antarctica research station.

Timeline and Logistics

• The preparatory phase, including contracting, surveys, and road construction, will take around 18 months. Material procurement and transport will require another 18 months. The final phase involves assembling the station on-site.

• Once complete, Maitri II Antarctica research station, operational by 2029, will enhance India’s ability to conduct scientific studies in extreme conditions.

• Meanwhile, insights from the Caste Census in India can help policymakers ensure that opportunities in research, education, and logistics for Antarctic missions are distributed fairly across communities.

Impact on Indian Scientific Research

• The Maitri II Antarctica research station will replace the ageing Maitri station, ensuring continuity in India’s Antarctic missions.

• With modern laboratories and automated instruments, Maitri II Antarctica will contribute to Antarctic biodiversity studies, glaciology, and climate science research.

• Through the NCPOR Maitri II project, India will not only enhance its scientific capabilities but also reinforce its strategic presence on the continent.

• The Caste Census in India ensures that equitable access is provided for talent from all backgrounds, reflecting India’s inclusive growth policies.

Final Thoughts

India is expanding its scientific presence in Antarctica with the approval of Maitri II Antarctica, a modern research station planned for eastern Antarctica.

With a budget of around ₹2,000 crore, the station is expected to be operational by January 2029 and will be India’s fourth facility on the continent, led by NCPOR under MoES. Maitri II Antarctica will replace the ageing Maitri station and integrate renewable energy, advanced laboratories, and automated instruments.

Located in the Schirmacher Oasis, it will accommodate up to 90 scientists, supporting studies in climate change, glaciology, and biodiversity. Alongside scientific advancement, insights from the Caste Census in India ensure inclusive access and equitable opportunities in research initiatives.