Site for Indias third research station in Antarctica selected: Centre

The Centre today informed that the site for the countrys third research station in Antarctica has been chosen at Larsemann Hill area of the continent.

New Delhi, Aug 17 : The Centre today informed that the site for the country's third research station in Antarctica has been chosen at Larsemann Hill area of the continent.

This was stated by Union Minister of Science and Technology and Earth Sciences Kapil Sibal in the Lok Sabha today.

National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) has now initiated action on developing detailed design of the building of the new research centre which is required for obtaining necessary administrative approval for taking up construction work during the 11th Five Year Plan, the Minister stated.

The proposed outlay for the 11th Plan for Antarctic Research and logistic activities is about Rs. 320 Crores.

Sibal said that the increased outlay is to strengthen the research and logistic facilities at Maitri in Antarctica, construction of the new research base and to further develop the in-house research facilities at NCAOR.

In addition the Ministry of earth Sciences has also proposed to construct an icebreaker class research-cum-logistic vessel.

ANI