Polar research in India

Abstract

India has great strides in Polar sciences since the first Indian Scientific Antarctic Expedition. It has bi-hemispherical approach to Polar science and have permanent stations at Antarctic. Recently, ‘Himadri’ the Indian research base at Arctic have been established in 2008. Atmospheric science, geosciences, biology, environmental sciences, human physiology, medical science, cold region engineering and communication are the prime programs pursued consistently as a part of Polar research. Monitoring of fluctuations of the Antarctic sea ice indicate an increase of about 2.4% increase per decade. Systematic geological mapping of about 20, 000 sq.km area of east Antarctica had been completed. Many scientific institutions like Geological Survey of India, India Meteorological Department, Survey of India, Zoological Survey of India, Botanical Survey of India, DRDO and CSIR are regular participants in annual Indian Scientific Expeditions to Antarctica. There is a substantial increase in the financial support to the Polar research. The National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research established in April 1999 is mandated to plan, promote, coordinate and execute the polar research program of India, as the nodal agency.