'Rs 1 crore per person': India wants to regulate Antarctica tourism to save delicate ecosystem of the south pole
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
India's Efforts to Preserve Antarctica
India is collaborating with like-minded nations to advocate for regulated tourism in Antarctica, as the escalating influx of tourists poses a threat to the delicate ecosystem of the White Continent.
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
The upcoming Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) gathering in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to May 30, will delve into discussions on the necessity of regulating tourism in Antarctica.
Ministry of Earth Sciences' Initiatives
M Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, highlighted the imperative need for regulating Antarctic tourism due to the current absence of proper oversight.
Credit : ANI
Plans for Facilitating Visits
Ravichandran hinted at potential plans to enable visits to Indian research stations in Antarctica for the general public, signaling a forthcoming initiative to broaden access to these remote research outposts.
India's Advocacy for Regulated Tourism
India, in alignment with other nations sharing similar concerns, is actively advocating for the promotion of regulated tourism in Antarctica to mitigate adverse impacts on its pristine environment.
Financial Considerations
The cost of travel to Antarctica is estimated at around Rs 1 crore per person, primarily for researchers traveling via ship from Goa to Cape Town and onward to the White Continent.
Indian Research Stations in Antarctica
India operates two research stations, Maitri and Bharati, where scientists conduct year-round research activities, necessitating significant annual expenditure ranging from Rs 150 to Rs 200 crore for maintenance.
Stringent Environmental Protocols
Ravichandran emphasized the stringent waste management protocols in place at Indian research stations, ensuring the pristine condition of Antarctica by transporting all waste, including human waste, back to the mainland.
Increasing Tourism Trends
Despite efforts to regulate tourism, the number of tourists visiting Antarctica continues to rise annually, underscoring the urgency for coordinated international action to safeguard the fragile Antarctic environment.