HIMADRI STATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 - Sci and Tech)

Context: HIMADRI, INDIA'S Arctic Research Station at Ny-Ålesund in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean, will now remain operational throughout the year.

Arctic Research

• About: The polar regions, including the Arctic and Antarctica, provide ideal settings for scientific exploration across various disciplines such as atmospheric, oceanic, biological, geological, glaciological, and earth sciences.
• Recent Focus: In recent times, the Arctic region has become a focal point for climate change research, attracting scientists from around the globe.

India and Arctic

• Svalbard Treaty: India signed the Svalbard Treaty in Paris in 1920.
• Indian Expedition to the Arctic: The first Indian expedition, consisting of five scientists, visited the International Arctic Research Facilities at Ny-Ålesund in 2007.
• Initiating Arctic Studies: The purpose of the expedition was to initiate studies in Arctic microbiology, atmospheric sciences, and geology.
• Establishment of Himadri: India's permanent research station, Himadri, commenced operations in July 2008.
• India's Antarctic Presence: Dakshin Gangotri in Antarctica was established in 1983, two years after India's first expedition. While Dakshin Gangotri is now submerged, India's other Antarctic stations, Maitri and Bharti, remain in use.

Himadri Station

• About: It is the designated place for global scientific research in Svalbard, facilitated by Norway. 

o It is a small station with facilities for laboratories and accommodation for eight people.

• Location: The Himadri station is situated in the Ny-Alesund region of Svalbard.
• Gruvebadet Observatory: India has an atmospheric science facility that houses various atmospheric observation networks. 
• The country has initiated new scientific projects in the Canadian High Arctic (Nunavut region) and plans to initiate studies in Greenland soon.