New Delhi, July 22 (UNI) A Bill to create an 'Indian Antarctic Act', laws which will govern Indian research stations and area under it in Antarctica, was passed in Lok Sabha on Friday.
The Indian Antarctica Bill 2022 was introduced by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh in the House in the previous session, which was opposed by MPs at the time as they pointed out that it framed laws for international citizens as well.
The Bill was taken up for consideration and passing in Lok Sabha post lunch and was taken up even as Opposition leaders raised slogans and protested against hike in GST rates on some food items.
"The main intention is that the land in Antarctica cannot be used for military or any other wrong purposes... to ensure demilitarisation and that there are no military activities there," Singh informed the Lok Sabha as he moved the BIll for passing.
"It will also ensure that no illegal activities can be done on that land... Like no one should be able to explode a nuclear bomb there... It is to ensure that only research activities are undertaken," he said.
The Minister also explained that Indian laws will be applicable on the land that is under India's control.
A brief debate on the Bill was held after which it was passed through voice vote. The Lok Sabha was adjourned for the day after that.
The Bill aims 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.
The Act will apply to citizens of India, citizens of any other country, and company, corporate or firm established or registered under any law framed by India and any vessels or aircraft registered in India or outside, as well as Indian vessels hired by another party.
The areas covered under the Act include the continent of Antarctica including its ice-shelves, all islands south of 60 degree South latitude, including their ice-shelves, all areas of continental shelf and all sea and air space south of 60 degree South Latitude.
The provides that no person will be allowed to stay in Antarctica or enter or remain at the Indian station in Antarctica without a permit.
It also bans introducing any non-native animal or plant species, or micro-organism in Antarctica. It also lays down laws for entering protected areas, waste disposal, discharge in sea, and provides a mechanism for giving permits to remove biological specimens.
It also provides for creating a fund which will be called "Antarctic Fund" to collect the fee for permits and the fund will be applied towards the welfare of Antarctica research work.
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