The pristine world of Antarctica is undergoing rapid change. Climate change and global warming are leading to the melting of glaciers in a frozen world. These changes have the potential to have far-reaching effects on the global climate. As the country strives to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement, India is upping its game in the fight against climate change. The new law, which was passed in the Lok Sabha last week, aims to pave the way for India to take steps to protect the fragile ecosystem in Antarctica.
The Lok Sabha last week passed India’s Antarctica Bill 2024, which seeks to introduce national measures to protect the rapidly changing Antarctic environment. The bill aims to demilitarise the region along with eliminating mining and other illegal activities. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of Earth Sciences, said India will try to ensure that no nuclear tests or explosions take place in the region. India’s Antarctica Bill 2024 is an important step by the Narendra Modi-led government under the Environmental Protection Protocol (Madrid Protocol) to the Antarctic Treaty and the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.
It aims to create a harmonious policy and regulatory framework for India’s activities in Antarctica. The Antarctic Treaty was first signed by 12 countries in Washington in 1959 and has since been joined by 42 other countries. On the other hand, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources was signed in Canberra in 1980 and ratified by India in 1985. active participation in managing the growing tourism industry in Antarctica and the sustainable development of fishery resources in Antarctic waters, “the Ministry of Science and Technology said.”
Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the implementation of the laws would empower Indian courts to deal with any dispute or crimes committed in parts of Antarctica. The legislation will commit citizens to Antarctic Treaty policies. It is also useful in building credibility and improving the country’s standing globally.
The Bill also proposes the establishment of the Indian Antarctic Authority (IAA) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences as the apex decision-making body to implement the programmes and activities authorised under the Act and provide a strong, transparent, and accountable process for sponsorship and governance of Antarctic research and expeditions. The centre said in a statement that “this will ensure protection and preservation of the Antarctic environment and ensure compliance of Indian citizens involved in Antarctic programmes and activities with relevant internationally agreed standards and norms.” The body will be headed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, and the official members will be from the relevant ministries.
