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In News
- The government introduced the ‘Antarctica Bill’ in the Lok Sabha.
Objectives and Need
- There is growing concern over preserving the pristine Antarctic environment and ocean around Antarctica from the exploitation of marine living resources and human presence in Antarctica.
- In the future, the private ship and aviation industry will also start operations and promote tourism and fishing in Antarctica, which needs to be regulated.
- The continuing and growing presence of Indian scientists in Antarctica warrants domestic legislation on Antarctica consistent with its obligations as a member of the Antarctic Treaty. This is also in sync with the emergence of India as a global leader on important international fronts.
- The primary aim of the Bill is to bring in penal provisions for breaking the law in Antarctica.
Major Highlights of Bill
- Regulation of activities:
- It prohibits Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying out certain activities in Antarctica without a permit or the written authorisation of another Party to the Protocol.
- It 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 permit.
- There will be a strict prohibition on damaging native plants; flying or landing helicopters or operating vessels that could disturb birds and seals; using firearms that could disturb the birds and animals; removing soil or any biological material native to Antarctica; engaging in any activity that could adversely change the habitat of birds and animals, or harm them.
- It prohibits Indian expedition to Antarctica or carrying out certain activities in Antarctica without a permit or the written authorisation of another Party to the Protocol.
- Inspection:
- It provides for inspection in India by an officer designated by the Central government as an Inspector and to constitute an inspection team to carry out inspections in Antarctica.
- Committee:
- It Establishes a Committee to be called the Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection to regulate the Indian Antarctic expedition and to exercise powers conferred on and perform the functions assigned to it.
- Constitution of the fund:
- It provides for the constitution of the fund to be called the Antarctic fund which shall be applied towards the welfare of Antarctic research work and the protection of the Antarctic environment.
- Applicability:
- It will apply to Indians, foreign citizens, corporations, firms and joint ventures functioning in India, and any vessel or aircraft that is either Indian or part of an Indian expedition.
- Penal Provisions:
- It prescribes penal provisions for certain serious violations.
- Violators can face imprisonment as well as penalties.
- Setting up a separate designated court to try crimes committed in Antarctica.
Criticism
- The Bill is applicable to Indian citizens as well as foreign citizens.
- It is challenging to ensure the applicability of Indian law to foreign citizens.
Antarctica
Image Courtesy: Britannica
Image Courtesy: Antarctic Treaty
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Source: TH
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