INDIA ANTARTICA BILL, 2022

INTRODUCTION –

As we all know how much global warming is affecting the world in various ways and no
region in this world is left untouched. Antarctica is the most affected region and is going
through rapid climate change. Increase in global warming is leading to melting of glaciers at
high rate which is a matter of concern for everyone around the globe.

As countries look to meet the Paris agreement goals. A new bill, passed last week in Lok
Sabha which aims to pave the way for India to devise measures to protect the fragile
ecosystem of Antarctica.

The Lok Sabha last week cleared the Indian Antarctic Bill 2022 that looks to create national
measures for protecting the Antarctic environment, which is going through rapid changes.
Aim: -

1. To de-militarise the region

2. Getting rid of mining and other illegal activities.

Dr Jitendra Singh, Minister of Earth Sciences, has said that India will aim to ensure that there
should not be any nuclear tests or explosions in the region.

WHAT IS INDIA ANTARCTICA VILL 2022? –

The Indian Antarctic Bill 2022 is a step taken by the Narendra Modi government under the
Protocol on Environment Protection (Madrid Protocol) to the Antarctic Treaty and the
Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. It aims to create a
harmonious policy and regulatory framework for India’s activities in the Antarctic.

Dr Jitendra Singh said that enforcement of law will confer jurisdiction on courts of India to
deal with crimes committed in Antarctica or any disputes takes place there. Legislation will
bind the citizens to the policies of Antarctica treaty.

The bill also proposes setting up an Indian Antarctic Authority (IAA) under the Ministry of
Earth Sciences, an apex decision-making body that will facilitate sponsorship and supervision
of Antarctic research and expeditions. The body will be headed by the Secretary of the
Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the official members will come from the concerned
ministries.

INDIA'S ANTARCTIC PROGRAM –

India has been active in the region for four decades with three research stations -- Dakshin
Gangotri, Maitri, and Bharati. Maitri and Bharati are currently operational and boosting
scientific information to be used by the country.

OFFENCES AND PENALTIES –

Bill has penalties for contravention of provisions.

Nuclear explosion in Antarctica - Imprisonment of 20 years which may extend to life

imprisonment and a fine of at least Rs 50 crore.

Drilling for mineral resources or introducing non-native animals or plants in Antarctica

without a permit - Imprisonment up to seven years and a fine between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 50
lakh.

CONCLUSION –

Due to increase in global warming whole world is facing climate change and Antarctica is
facing it most of its consequence because of two things firstly global warming and secondly
due to various scientific experiments being conducted there. Due to various scientific and
military activities glacier there are melting at high rate. This bill passed by Modi led
government is a very encouraging step towards preserving climate and Antarctica.