Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022

On 22^nd July, 2022, the Lok Sabha passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022. The Bill aims at having India’s own national measures for protecting the Antarctic environment and also the dependent and associated ecosystem.

• The main aim of the Bill is to ensure de-militarization of the region along with getting it rid of mining or illegal activities. It also aims that there should not be any nuclear test / explosion in the region.

Key Provisions of the Bill: Indian Antarctic Authority (IAA): The Bill proposes to set-up Indian Antarctic Authority (IAA) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The IAA shall be the apex decision-making authority and shall facilitate programmes and activities permitted under the Bill.

• Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences will be the Chairperson of the IAA and the IAA will have official members from the concerned India Ministries and decisions will be by consensus.
• Applicability: It will apply to any person, foreigners, corporations, firms, vessels or aircraft that is a part of an Indian expedition to Antarctica.
• Regulation of Visits and Activities: It aims to regulate visits to and activities in Antarctica, as well as potential disputes that may arise among those present on the continent.
• Inspection of Vessels: It lays out a structure for government officials to inspect a vessel and conduct checks of research facilities.
• Antarctic Fund: It provides for the creation of a fund called the Antarctic Fund that will be used for protecting the Antarctic environment.
• Penalties: It extends the jurisdiction of Indian courts to Antarctica. It also lays out penal provisions for crimes on the continent by Indian citizens, and foreign citizens who are a part of Indian expeditions or are in the precincts of Indian research stations.
• Prohibited Activities: The Bill prohibits certain activities in Antarctica including: (i) nuclear explosion or disposal of radioactive wastes, (ii) introduction of non-sterile soil, and (iii) discharge of garbage, plastic or other substance into the sea which is harmful to the marine environment.
• Permits: It also provides that private tours and expeditions to Antarctica would be prohibited without a permit or the written authorization by a member country.

Significance: The Bill provides a harmonious policy and regulatory framework for India’s Antarctic activities through well-established legal mechanisms.