Lok Sabha clears Antarctic Bill, this session’s first

The Bill seeks to give effect to the Antarctic Treaty, which was signed in 1959 by 12 countries. It was implemented in 1961, and India, which has two permanent scientific stations Matri and Bharti in the continent, became a signatory to it in 1983.

“The fundamental objective of the treaty is demilitarisation of Antarctica. The signatories are supposed to bring laws so that no activity in contravention of the treaty takes place. The law is supposed to take care of any violations, offer solutions and fix appropriate punishment,” Singh said.

Apart from extending the jurisdiction of Indian courts to Antarctica for investigation and trial for crimes committed on the Arctic continent, the Bill also introduces regulations to ensure that scientific missions or commercial expeditions do not harm the ecology of the continent.

Participating in a brief discussion on the Bill, BJP MP Jayant Sinha said, “India is a coastal country. Goa, Mumbai, Kolkata, Kochi, Chennai and many such places are located along the coast. Any rise in the sea level due to melting of glaciers may cause damage through flooding. That’s why it is essential to understand the impact of global warming on Antarctica.”

Lending his support, BJD MP Bhartruhari Mahtab said the bill aims at promoting Antarctica as a natural reserve that is devoted to science and peace, and to ensure that Antarctica does not become the scene of international discord.

“That is the basic purpose for which this Bill is being introduced and I believe, cutting across party lines, everybody should support this Bill,” he said, criticising the Opposition parties for carrying out protests during discussions on it.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, said the Opposition also wants to participate in the discussions on the Bill, but the government should first convene a meeting of the floor leaders to address the demands for a discussion on price rise.

“The situation of the Indian economy has also become like Antractica,” Chowdhury said. The Congress MP later staged a walkout with a couple of other members.

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