The government has proposed the ‘Antarctic Bill’ in the Lok Sabha, which aims to regulate trips and operations to Antarctica, as well as any possible conflicts that can occur among individuals who live there. Both Indian citizens and foreign citizens are covered by the bill.

In October 2021, India reiterated its commitment to environmental protection in Antarctica by co-sponsoring the European Union’s proposal to designate East Antarctica and the Weddell Sea as Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

Aim

• Through a well-established legislative structure, create a unified policy framework for India’s Antarctic initiatives.
• To prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying of certain activities in Antarctica without a permit or the written authorisation of another party to the protocol
• To establish national policies to conserve the Antarctic environment and ecosystems, as well as to give the Antarctic Treaty effect.
• To allow for inspection in India by a central government-designated inspector, as well as the formation of an inspection team to conduct inspections in Antarctica.
• Facilitate Indian Antarctic programme activities, such as Antarctic tourism management and sustainable fisheries development.

Provisions of the bill

• Damage to native plants will be strictly prohibited, as will flying or landing helicopters or operating vessels that may disturb birds and seals, using firearms that may disturb birds and animals, removing soil or biological material native to Antarctica, and engaging in any activity that may harm or change the habitat of birds and animals.
• It is also forbidden to introduce animals, birds, plants, or microscopic creatures that are not native to Antarctica. Violators may be sentenced to jail as well as suffer other penalties.
• The Bill prohibits drilling, dredging, excavation or collection of mineral resources or even doing anything to identify where such mineral deposits occur — the only exception is for scientific research with a granted permit.
• The draft Bill proposes the setting up of a separate designated court to try crimes committed in Antarctica.
• Visitor Regulations: The law outlines tight criteria and a permission system that will be given by a government-appointed committee, without which no expedition or individual will be permitted to visit Antarctica. The bill establishes an Antarctic governance and environmental protection committee to monitor, execute, and assure compliance with key international laws, emissions standards, and protection regulations.
• Provisions for Indian Tour Companies: The bill also allows Indian tour operators to operate in Antarctica after they have obtained a permit. In Antarctica, there are 40 permanent research stations, two of which are Indian – Maitri and Bharati.
• Protecting Mineral Resources: The bill also makes it illegal to drill, dredge, excavate, or gather mineral resources, as well as to do anything that could lead to the discovery of such reserves. The sole exemption is scientific study that has been granted a permission.

The need

• Fulfill Antarctica Treaty Provisions: Since 1983, India has been a member to the Antarctica Treaty, which requires it to outline a set of rules regulating areas of the continent where it has research sites.The Treaty required the 54 signing nations to establish the rules that govern the regions where their stations are located.
• Preserve the continent’s pristine nature: India is a party to treaties such as the Antarctic Marine Living Resources Convention and the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources.Both accords call on India to contribute to the preservation of the continent’s natural beauty.

While India has been sending expeditions to Antarctica for the past 40 years, these expeditions have been circumscribed by international law. The Bill now puts into place a comprehensive list of regulations related to Antarctica, for such scientific expeditions, as well as for individuals, companies and tourists.The Ministry has explained that it expects activity in Antarctica to increase in the coming years, making the enforcement of a domestic set of protocols essential.A domestic legislation will further provide more validity to the Antarctic Treaty, and subsequent protocols, of which India is a signatory.

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-the-indian-antarctic-bill-introduced-in-lok-sabha-7849739/

How to structure:

1. Give a brief intro about India’s Antarctic bill
2. Explain the need for such in the present times
3. Explain the key features and relevance
4. Conclude