Paridhi Arya
Published on: April 3, 2022 at 14:55 IST
Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh has brought a Draft of Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 so that in the frozen continent the activities of Research Stations can be Monitored and Regulated.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that this Bill has a comprehensive list of activities permitted there by law and not permitted.
The Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury raised the objection that how the Bill can be applicable to foreign citizens who are not subjects of India.
He also asked to refer the Bill to Joint or Select Committee.
Another objection raised by the TMC member Saugata Roy. She said,
“I do not know what authority our government has over Antarctica, which is still an Uncharted Territory. Now, the Minister wants to prohibit Indian expeditions to Antarctica without a permit.’’
“Actually, we have a treaty called Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959. It now has 54 signatories. As per that treaty, it is mandatory and binding on all the member countries to have some kind of a provision to prevent or check unlawful activities at their research stations,” said by Dr, Jitendra in reply
This Bill has a jurisdiction over Indians, foreign citizens ventures functioning in India and on all aircrafts and vessel having part of Indian expedition.
The Bill has listed strict restriction over disturbing the Native birds and seals and damaging native plants, removal of soil , drilling, dredging, excavation or collecting minerals in the continent is prohibited.
Bringing non native plants, birds and even microscopic organisms in Antarctica is prohibited and those who do that will be penalized and imprisoned.
Indian tour operators can acquire a permit to operate there.
There are total 40 permanent research stations and two are of India – Maitri and Bharti.
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