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Goa-based NCAOR heads the Indian Antarctic Programme

Our Correspondent

The south Goa-based National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR) is the nodal organisation for the co-ordination and implementation of the Indian Antarctic Programme, including the maintenance of India’s permanent station in Antarctica. “In order to consolidate the gains accrued from the Antarctic expeditions and to stimulate research in the areas of polar science, this Centre was set up,” says Director and Member Secretary Rasik Ravindra. Th e centre is spread across 1,47,660 sq. metres.

For the first time in the country, a low-temperature laboratory complex at –25 degrees Celsius has been established for the preservation and analysis of ice core and snow samples, not only from Antarctica but also from Himalayas. In addition, an ultra-clean laboratory has been established to study the ice samples.

The centre was established as an autonomous R&D institution of the Department of Ocean Development in May 1998. The Universities of Goa and Mangalore have recognised NCAOR as a research centre for the pursuit of doctoral research. The centre is also planning to establish a National Antarctic Data Centre and a Polar Museum, first of their kind in the country.

A jewel in NCAOR’s scientific crown is the upkeep of the Indian station in Antarctica, ‘Maitri’. Maitri was established in 1989 and allows Indian scientists to conduct critical studies in all areas of polar research. This is a modern station that has comfortable accommodation, a well-equipped library and a state-of-the-art laboratory and communication system.

Another important mandate given to NCAOR is the management of Oceanic Research Vessel (ORV) Sagar Kanya — a multi-disciplinary oceanographic research vessel dedicated to the survey and exploration of high seas.

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