New Indian Research Base In Antarctica + 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting

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In This NEWS Bulletin ********************************* 1. Antarctica Eco Panel Approves India's New Research Base - It’s destination Larsemann Hill for country’s researchers 2. India may get nod for Antarctica base 3. India to set up satellite earth station in Antarctica 4. Climate experts seek to check tourist traffic to Antarctica 5. Treaty looks to save Antarctica from tourists -- (In The Indian Express) 6. Nobody cares to check carbon emissions, says Chris Rapley 7. Alternate energy can light up Indian villages ------------------------------- It’s destination Larsemann Hill for country’s researchers Antarctic treaty consultative meeting has given India the nod http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=163472 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Tuesday, May 08, 2007 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, MAY 7: India has scored an initial victory in the direction of setting up of a new research base at Larsemann Hill on the eastern coast of Antarctica. The committee for environmental protection (CEP) for Antartica has cleared the Indian proposal, which was discussed at the plenary session of the ongoing 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in the Capital on Monday. “We have found the Indian proposal to be consistent with the environmental norms,” said CEP chairman Neil Gilbert. CEP had cleared the Indian proposal last Friday, and it was discussed at Monday’s plenary. The views of member countries were by and large favourable, he informed. The 30th ATCM, which began its deliberations from April 30, will conclude on May 11. The ATCM is likely come out with its official decision on the proposed Indian research base on Friday. After the official nod from ATCM, India would be required to submit its detailed project report to the Atlantic Treaty Secretariat (ATS) before the next ATCM, which is scheduled to take place next year in Ukraine. According to the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which was ratified by 46 countries, including India, ATCM is the final authority for the icy continent. India is hosting the ATCM for the first time after

ratifying the treaty 25 years ago. Larsemann Hill research base will be the third in succession to be set up by India in this icy continent. Dakshin Gangotri was set in 1983 and was abandoned in 1988-89 as it was submerged under snow. Subsequently Maitri was set on an ice-free area. Larsemann Hill has moderate climatic conditions compared with Matri. Russia, China and Australia, which have set up their research centres on this rocky stretch, had objected to India’s proposal in the last ATCM in Edinburgh in June 2006, saying the environment would suffer due to further human impact. Several inspection studies have been done by the UK, US, Finland and others on research bases set up by different countries. These studies have pointed out several violations of environmental norms, but there is no adverse remark on the existing Indian base.- India may get nod for Antarctica base http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=162764 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, APR 30: India’s proposal for setting up of a new research base in Antarctica is likely to be approved with experts at an international conclave on the icy continent strongly favouring the idea. India has proposed to set up a research centre on a rare stretch of the ice-free rocky Larsemann Hills around Prydz Bay on the eastern coast of Antarctica. It has already submitted the mandatory comprehensive environmental evaluation report to the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat

for review by its environment panel. India’s proposal will be discussed in the 12-day long 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) which has begun its deliberations here on Monday. As per the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, ratified by 46 countries including India, ATCM is the final authority for the icy continent. India is hosting the ATCM for the first time after ratifying the treaty around 25 years ago. Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the 30th ATCM, chairman of the environment evaluation committee Neil Gilbert said: “There is a strong reason for India to set up a new research centre. The 30th ATCM will discuss the proposal. If need be, we can suggest some revisions of the proposal to remove concerns raised by others.” The panel has assessed four proposals since its formation and has rejected none. Larsemann Hill has moderate

climatic conditions compared with Matri. Russia, China and Australia, which have set up their research centres on this rocky stretch, had objected to India’s proposal in the last ATCM in Edinburgh in June 2006 saying that the environment would suffer due to further human impact. “We are confident the ATCM will approve our proposal for setting up of a research station at Larsemann Hills. Larsemann Hills is one of the existing key areas in the India-Antarctica link after the break-up of the Gondwanaland continent. Lambert and Mahanadhi glaciers with the ocean in between justify the past topography. We need to do more research on this aspect,” said Union minister for earth sciences Kapil Sibal. He added that there was a need to regulate tourism in the icy continent to preserve its environment. Larsemann Hill station, if approved, would be the third in succession that India would set up in the icy continent.

Dakshin Gangotri, set up in 1983, was abandoned in 1988-89 when it got submerged in the snow. Subsequently, Maitri research base was set up and India has planned to set up a satellite earth station at the site.--- India to set up satellite earth station in Antarctica http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=161874 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Sunday, April 22, 2007 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, APR 21: India has planned to set up a satellite earth station at its existing research base, Matri in the icy continent—Antarctica—with a view to enhance communication links with the country.

India’s proposal for setting up of another research base at Larsemann Hills will be finally decided at the 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) being hosted here in Delhi for 12 days, beginning April 30. Larsemann Hills are a rare stretch of ice-free rock around Prydz Bay on the eastern coast of Antarctica. It has moderate climatic conditions as compared to Matri. Russia, China and Australia, which have set up their research centres on this rocky stretch had objected to India proposal in the last ATCM in Edinburgh in June 2006 saying that the environment would suffer due to further human impact. India alongwith 45 countries have ratified the Antarctica treaty of 1959. India ratified the treaty 25 years ago and this is for the first time that the country will be hosting the ATCM. “We are confident that ATCM will approve our proposal

for setting up of a research station at Larsemann Hills. Larsemann Hills is one of the existing key areas in India-Antarctica link after the break up of the Gondwanaland continent. Lambert and Mahanadhi glaciers with the ocean in between justify the past topography. We need to do more research on this aspect”, said the union minister for earth sciences, Kapil Sibal on the eve of the Earth Day celebration . He said that India would move a proposal at the 30th ATCM for banning tourism in Antarctica, in view of protecting its environment. India has submitted a comprehensive environmental evaluation (CEE) as per the protocol of the treaty, which would be discussed at the 30th ATCM. In the proposed Larsemann Hills centre installation of wind turbines and solar panels are envisaged for meeting energy needs. The first Indian ice class oceanographic research-cum-logistic vessel will be in operation in the 11th Plan

period. So far India’s Antarctica expeditions have been conducted on hired vessels, said Sibal. An environment technology institute would be set up in the country, he said. India has initiated collaborative research with Norway on Arctic region. India has two endorsed science projects in the International Polar Year (2007-08) – one on monitoring of the upper ocean circulation, transport and water masses between Africa and Antarctica and the other on studying human impact on Antarctica.------- Climate experts seek to check tourist traffic to Antarctica http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=163323 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Sunday, May 06, 2007 at 0027 hours IST NEW DELHI, MAY 5: Delegates from 46 nations, including India are brainstorming at the ongoing 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) here in Delhi to protect the icy continent from the damaging effects of increasing commercial tourism. As per the treaty no human habitation is permitted, but research bases can be set up in the icy continent. Over the years tourists arrivals in Antarctica have seen a phenomenal increase, raising concerns over the "human impact" on the fragile environment. Although Antarctic tourism began in the late 1950s, it remained at low levels until the early 1990s when it took off. From a base of 4,698 tourists in the 1990-91 summer, annual numbers rose to 24,281 in

the summer of 2003-04, to 35,000 in 2006-07 summer In the summer of 2007-08, the number is slated to increase to 50,000. Industry figures project a continuing increase in tourism numbers through this decade. But if one adds the staff and crew to passengers, the figure for each year is likely to increase by at least 20,000. More tourists than scientists and support staff on national programmes now visit the Antarctic each year. "When Antarctica Treaty was drafted in 1959 no one conceived that it would one day become a hot spot for tourism. We do not want to discourage tourism, but we want to regulating it,” said Union minister for earth sciences Kapil Sibal. Apart from sea-borne tourism, air-supported and "fly-sail" operations are gradually increasing. As tourism in Antarctica transforms from niche to mass tourism, there is a likelihood of developing tourism infrastructure ashore, using gigantic

general purpose cruise liners in lieu of relatively small ice-strengthened vessels. Any misadventure may lead not only to catastrophe, but also significant disjunction of scientific projects done by several nations. -- Treaty looks to save Antarctica from tourists -- (In The Indian Express) http://www.indianexpress.com/story/30284.html ASHOK B SHARMAPosted online: Monday, May 07, 2007 at 0000 hrs NEW DELHI, MAY 6: Delegates from 46 countries, including India, are brainstorming at the 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) here on ways to protect the icy continent from commercial tourism, which has raised concerns over the

“human impact” on the fragile environment. “When the treaty was drafted in 1959, no one conceived that the Antarctic would one day become a hot spot for tourism. We do not want to discourage tourism, but we are in favour of regulating it in such a manner that the fragile environment of the icy continent is preserved,” said Union Minister for Science and Technology Kapil Sibal. The treaty does not permit habitation, but research bases are allowed. Now, there are more visiting tourists than scientists, who, of course, stay there longer. Antarctic tourism began in the late 1950s. It was in the 1990s, however, that the number of visitors rose steadily. From 4,698 in 1990-91, it rose to 24,281 in 2003-04 and 35,000 in 2006-07. The estimate for 2007-08 is 50,000. Antarctic tourism is no longer a niche market; it looks set to become a mass market. Besides tourists who reach the

continent by ship, there are those who fly in. Soon, tour operators may use giant cruise liners instead of smaller vessels with hulls reinforced against damage by ice. All this could disrupt research and also increase the risk of catastrophe. India has proposed to set up a third research base at Larsemann Hills, an ice-free rocky stretch on the eastern coast of the continent. The spot’s scenic beauty attracts many tourists. ---- Nobody cares to check carbon emissions, says Chris Rapley http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=163088 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online: Friday,

May 04, 2007 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, MAY 3: Carbon emissions caused by human activity have continued to be “business as usual” for the last seven years, contributing to the global climate change, president of Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), an inter-disciplinary committee of the International Council for Science, and director of British Antarctic Survey, Chris Rapley said. Expressing concern over the situation while delivering his lecture at the 30th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, Rapley suggested concerted action and leadership to address the problem. He said : “ A very significant complicating factor in finding a solution is that the bulk of the projected growth in human carbon emissions is attributed to the developing nations, who arguably have a right to benefit in the way that developed nations have already benefited. The

portioning of the remaining carbon budget thus becomes an issue of ethics and equity, as well as sustainability.” He said that new trajectories can be drawn up, but in the end, if these are not followed, a 450 ppm stabilization level could become impossible to attain. He warned that the challenge facing human race was unprecedented. The evidedence for the problem was complex and technical with uncertainties at the detailed level and impact of current behaviour being distributed and distant in time and space, he said.--- Alternate energy can light up villages http://www.financialexpress.com/fe_full_story.php?content_id=162635 ASHOK B SHARMA Posted online:

Monday, April 30, 2007 at 0000 hours IST NEW DELHI, APR 29: Village electrification is vital for boosting the prospects of rural economy. The process of rural electrification through conventional grid connectivity has been slow despite several schemes of the government. The 2001 census had identified 5,19,570 villages which do not get power, but can be connected with the conventional power grid. About 56.48% households do not have access to power supply. The government had also identified about 18,000 villages in remote areas which are not possible for grid connectivity. These villages were, therefore, selected to be electrified by generation of power from new and renewable sources of energy. According to the latest data available with the ministry of new and renewable energy, only 2,501 out of identified 18,000 remote villages have been electrified to date.

Only 830 remote hamlets have been electrified under the programme. The ministry’s annual report, however, claiming success of remote village electrification has said that 1,177 villages and 2 hamlets in West Bengal, 395 villages and 34 hamlets in Uttarakhand, 325 villages in Chhattisgarh, 134 villages in Manipur, 118 villages in Jammu and Kashmir, 112 villages in Arunachal Pradesh, 58 villages and 178 hamlets in Tripura, 53 villages in Jharkhand, 39 villages in Assam, 30 villages in Madhya Pradesh, 20 villages in Mizoram, 18 villages in Orissa, 2 villages in Gujarat 558 remote village colonies in Kerala have been electrified by generation of power through new and renewable sources of energy. The government has also claimed that in 2006-07 alone 264 remote villages and 236 hamlets in nine states were electrified through new and renewable sources of energy. Projects are under

implementation in 1,247 villages and 487 remote hamlets. The ministry of power has claimed that since the launch of Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidutikaran Yojana (RGGVY) in April 2005 till February 2007, 30,562 unelectrified villages in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Bihar and West Bengal have been electrified under the scheme. Besides intensive electrification of 7,175 already electrified villages has also been achieved, for catering to the needs of families living below the poverty line. Keeping in view the electrification needs of about 5,19,570 villages and 56.48% of the households, several experts are of the view that generation of power through new and renewable sources of energy, distributed and managed on community basis (taking off grid transmission course) can be a better alternative for faster rural electrification. The ministry for new and renewable energy sources has

estimated a potential for 84,776 MWe grid-interactive power generation from non-conventional sources, like agro residues, wind power, small hydro projects, cogeneration from bagasse and from industrial wastes. It has claimed that cumulative power generation from these sources till March 2007 was 9372.95 MWe. Apart from these there are sources like solar energy, bio-fuels, nuclear energy, geothermal energy, tidal energy, hydrogen. Some of these methods, however, need to be assessed on environment and ecology considerations. A number of private power developers are in field of exploiting energy from new and renewable sources. One of the main problems being faced by such power developers is the pricing policy for selling to the grid. The secretary in the Union ministry for new and renewable energy, V Subramanian while addressing a seminar organised by the industry body, Assocham and MoNRE last week said that the government would shortly put

in place a feed-in-tariff system for solar and wind energy based on the the tariff structure as prevalent in Germany and Australia. He said that after these regulatory authorities or commissions approved of feed-in-tariff system as is proposed by ministry of new & renewable energy, the new system will be put in place shortly. Another issue is the issue of energy security for the entire South Asian region. In the last SAARC submit held in Delhi the member countries took up this issue. Energy trade in the region can greatly enhance the potential for rural electrification. South Asian region has to resolve the energy security issue within the region. The British deputy high commissioner, Creon Butler speaking at the recent Assocham-MoNRE seminar said that the difference between European Union and India remain predominant on various policy issues and in such a situation cooperation for harnessing non-conventional sources of energy between UK,

Gernamy, France on one hand and India on the other seems highly unlikely.----

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