Dakshin Gangotri, India’s first permanent base on Antarctica has shaped the future of the country’s Antarctic programme.

About Dakshin Gangotri

• Dakshin Gangotri was India’s first scientific research station in Antarctica, established in 1983.
• It was named after the Gangotri glacier, symbolising India’s scientific outreach to the southern hemisphere.
• Location: Situated in East Antarctica, on the ice shelf in Central Dronning Maud Land.
  • It was built on a floating ice mass, making it vulnerable to ice movement.
• Purpose and Research: Supported studies in glaciology, meteorology, geology, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences.
  • It also served as India’s entry point into Antarctic scientific exploration.
• Administrative Control: Operated under the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Ministry of Earth Sciences.
• Operational Status: Functioned actively during the 1980s, later became submerged under ice.
  • Now used only as a supply base and transit camp, not for permanent research.

Strategic & Scientific Significance of Dakshin Gangotri

• Geopolitical: Marked India’s permanent presence in Antarctica.
• Scientific Legacy: Paved way for future stations (Maitri & Bharati), more than 40 expeditions, and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
• Meteorological Importance: Antarctica controls Indian Ocean weather, which in turn governs monsoon & climate of Indian subcontinent.
• Geological Link: India and Antarctica were part of the ancient Gondwanaland supercontinent.

India’s other Antarctica Research Stations

1. Maitri (Operational since 1988): Located in the Schirmacher Oasis, Central Dronning Maud Land.
   • Mitri was the 2nd permanent Indian base on Antarctica. 
2. Bharati (Operational since March 2012): Located in the Larsemann Hills.
3. Maitri II:  Maitri-II is India’s next-generation research station planned for East Antarctica.
   • Status: It is estimated to become operational by 2032.

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