https://sputniknews.in/20231226/maitri-ii-india-to-commence-operations-at-new-research-station-in-antarctica-by-2029-5971967.html

Maitri-II: India to Commence Operations at New Research Station in Antarctica by 2029

Maitri-II: India to Commence Operations at New Research Station in Antarctica by 2029

Sputnik India

A group of Indian polar scientists has successfully located an ideal spot for the construction of India's upcoming research station, Maitri-II, in Antarctica.

2023-12-26T19:32+0530

2023-12-26T19:32+0530

2023-12-26T19:33+0530

science & tech

india

rajya sabha

antarctica

science & tech

marine life

submarine

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ministry of earth sciences

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India has identified a new location for its upcoming research station, 'Maitri-II,' set to be established in Antarctica and commence operations in 2029. The new facility will be situated a few kilometres away from the currently operational Maitri, India’s second research base located on Schirmacher Oasis in East Antarctica.Last week, Kiren Rijiju, the Minister of Earth Sciences, unveiled India’s plans to construct Maitri-II in the upper house of Parliament, Rajya Sabha. A team of experts, led by M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, recently travelled to Antarctica to assess a new location in close proximity to Maitri.Thamban Meloth, the director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), shared insights with the Indian media about the crucial factors considered for the smooth operations of the new station. These factors include the availability of water, crew transportation, and waste management.While experts from the Survey of India are presently conducting a topographical survey of the site, Meloth mentioned that high-resolution maps providing valuable insights into the new location will soon be released. He affirmed that Maitri-II will adhere to all environmental regulations of the area and will be a state-of-the-art facility.Maitri, which has been hosting researchers since 1989, was originally designed to last for 10 years. As it is now getting old and has its own limitations, there is a need for Maitri II," Meloth added.For more than thirty years, India has been sending numerous expeditions to Antarctica to conduct ground-breaking research in marine, biological, geological and atmospheric sciences.

https://sputniknews.in/20230812/india-to-get-its-first-polar-research-vessel-ready-in-next-5-years-3558213.html

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maitri-ii research station, antarctica, 2029, indian polar scientists, research station, maitri-ii, schirmacher oasis, minister of earth sciences, kiren rijiju, upper house of parliament, rajya sabha, m ravichandran, secretary of the ministry of earth sciences, thamban meloth director of the national centre for polar and ocean research (ncpor), water availability, crew transportation, waste management, survey of india, topographical survey, high-resolution maps, researchers, marine, biological, geological, atmospheric sciences.