The Finance Ministry has approved Maitri II, India’s upcoming Antarctic research station. , marking a major milestone in India’s polar research programme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

About Maitri II

• Maitri II will be India’s fourth research base in Antarctica, proposed to be completed by January 2029, with a total outlay of around ₹2,000 crore.
  • India’s third Antarctic research base camp was Bharati established in 2013.
• Location : The station will be built in eastern Antarctica and 
• Operated by:  the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• Objective: Maitri II aims to enhance India’s long-term scientific presence in Antarctica and support multidisciplinary research in meteorology, glaciology, geology, oceanography, and climate studies.
• Sustainability Features: Planned as a green and energy-efficient research station, it will harness solar and wind energy, incorporate advanced waste management systems, and reduce ecological impact.
• Technological Upgrades: The station will include automated instruments capable of continuously recording and transmitting scientific data to India, even when unmanned during harsh winter months.

About Maitri (Existing Research Station)

• Maitri, India’s second Antarctic research station, became operational in 1989, succeeding the first base, Dakshin Gangotri.
• Features: Located at the Schirmacher Oasis in East Antarctica, about 100 km inland, Maitri houses laboratories, living quarters, a fuel station, and a summer camp.
• Achievements and Contribution: Maitri has hosted hundreds of scientific expeditions studying atmospheric sciences, seismology, and glaciology, significantly strengthening India’s role in polar research.
  • Despite a 10-year design life, Maitri has remained functional for over three decades, though structural and waste management challenges have prompted the need for Maitri II.
• Future Role: Once Maitri II becomes operational, the existing Maitri base will serve as India’s summer camp, supporting seasonal scientific and logistical activities in Antarctica.

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