Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022

In News

• Recently, Parliament passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022.
  • It is an important step forward in India’s engagement with the gigantic continent which began way back in February 1956. 

Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022

• About:
  • It is the first domestic legislation with regard to Antarctica in India.
  • Applicable to Indian citizens as well as foreign citizens.
• Objective:
  • To demilitarise Antarctica; use of Antarctica for peaceful purposes; promote international scientific cooperation in Antarctica.
  • The Bill seeks to give effect to the Antarctic Treaty, the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.
• Key Features:
  • Prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica without permit or written authorisation of another party to Antarctic Treaty.
  • Extend jurisdiction of Indian courts to Antarctica and lays out penal provision for crimes on the continent by Indian citizens, foreign citizens who are part of Indian expeditions.
  • The act directs creating a fund called the Antarctic fund that will be used for protecting the Antarctic environment.
  • The Bill also establishes a ‘Committee on Antarctic Governance and Environmental Protection.’
  • Prohibits mining, dredging and activities that threaten the pristine conditions of the continent. 

What is the Antarctica Treaty?

• The Treaty covers the area south of 60°S latitude.
• Objective: To demilitarize Antarctica; use for peaceful purposes & resolve disputes. 
• Signed in 1959 by 12 countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, USSR, the UK and the USA, and came into force in 1961.
  • India signed the Antarctic Treaty in 1983.
• Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR):  Set up in 1980 for the protection and preservation of the Antarctic.
• Madrid Protocol: Designates Antarctica as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science” (Signed by India).