Rajya Sabha passes India Antarctic Bill, 2022

NEW DELHI: The India Antarctic Bill, 2022, was passed by the Rajya Sabha in order to protect the continent, where India is involved in scientific research projects and expeditions. This will ensure that any activity India is party to in the South Pole does not violate any international convention.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology, Government of India, emphasised that the Bill’s primary goal is to ensure that the territory is demilitarised in addition to eliminating mining and unlawful operations. Additionally, it seeks to prevent any nuclear explosions or tests in the area. Singh added that the Bill will aid in the effective and voluntary operations of the Indian Antarctic Program by providing a uniform policy and regulatory framework for India’s Antarctic efforts through well-established legal processes. It will also make it easier for India to take an active interest in managing the expanding Antarctic tourism industry and the sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in Antarctic waters. Additionally, it will contribute to India’s improved international profile and reputation in polar governance, fostering international cooperation.

The Indian Antarctic Authority (IAA), which would be the ultimate decision-making body and would support the programmes and activities approved under the Bill, was also proposed to be established under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. It must ensure the protection and preservation of the Antarctic environment, provide a stable, open, and accountable process for the sponsorship and oversight of polar research and expeditions, and guarantee that Indian nationals participating in polar programmes and activities abide by pertinent laws and internationally recognised standards. The IAA will have official members from the relevant Indian Ministries, and decisions will be made by consensus under the direction of the Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources was signed at Canberra on May 20, 1980. India joined the Commission for Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources after ratifying the Convention on June 17, 1985. The Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection was signed at Madrid on October 4, 1991, with the goals of, among other things, strengthening the system of the Antarctic Treaty and developing a comprehensive regime for the protection of the Antarctic environment and dependent and associated ecosystems.

On January 14, 1998, India ratified the Antarctic Treaty’s Environmental Protection Protocol.