India Boosts Polar and Ocean Research with New Facilities in Goa
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Inauguration of Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at NCPOR, Goa by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh |
| Date | During the Silver Jubilee celebrations of National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) |
| Location | Goa, India |
| Purpose | Strengthen India's role in polar and ocean research, support Blue Economy, and address climate change concerns |
| Key Facilities | |
| Polar Bhavan | - Largest building on NCPOR campus (11,378 sq. m.)<br>- Cost: ₹55 crore<br>- Features: Cutting-edge labs, 55 accommodation units, Science On Sphere (SOS), upcoming India's first Polar and Ocean Museum |
| Sagar Bhavan | - Area: 1,772 sq. m.<br>- Cost: ₹13 crore<br>- Features: Ultra-low temp labs (-30°C ice core storage), Class 1000 clean room, +4°C sample preservation units, 29 specialized research rooms |
| Strategic Importance | - Enhance India's role in global ocean governance<br>- Surveillance of weather patterns and climate change<br>- Promote scientific collaboration in polar regions |
| Policy Frameworks | - Indian Antarctic Act, 2022<br>- Arctic Policy, 2022<br>- Supports India's polar missions and international obligations |
| India's Polar Presence | - Antarctica Stations: Maitri, Bharati<br>- Arctic Station: Himadri<br>- Himalayan Station: Himansh<br>- Recent Expeditions: Canadian Arctic, Greenland, Central Arctic Ocean |
| Alignment with Goals | - Supports Viksit Bharat by 2047<br>- Focus on Blue Economy, Arctic & Antarctic engagement, and mitigating sea-level rise risks due to melting polar ice |