Indian Antarctic research stations
Also called: Maitri, Bharati, Dakshin Gangotri · Topic: World Physical Features and Natural Regions · NCERT: Beyond NCERT
Meaning
These are the bases India has built in Antarctica for scientific research. They come under the Indian Antarctic Programme, which began in 1981. India has had three stations so far:
- Dakshin Gangotri, built in 1983. It is now used only as a supply base (a store for goods and fuel).
- Maitri, built in 1989.
- Bharati, built in 2012.
A new station, Maitri II, is planned. The Indian Antarctic Act 2022 lays down rules for Indian activity on the continent. India joined the Antarctic Treaty in 1983, which keeps Antarctica for peace and science.
Example
Maitri stands in the Schirmacher Oasis, an ice-free rocky area in East Antarctica. Bharati stands in the Larsemann Hills, which are also in East Antarctica.
Don't confuse with
- Himadri station: this is India's research station in the Arctic, at Ny-Alesund in Svalbard (Norway). It is not in Antarctica.
- Gangotri Glacier: this is the glacier in Uttarakhand where the Ganga begins. Dakshin Gangotri ("southern Gangotri") is only named after it.