Union Minister Kiren Rijiju Launches First Indian Winter Arctic Expedition

Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Earth Sciences, inaugurated the inaugural Indian Winter Arctic Expedition in the capital on Monday.

Comprising four scientists, this pioneering winter expedition aims to conduct atmospheric observations during the night and undertake studies on auroras and changes in sea ice in the Arctic region.

India is set to maintain a year-long presence at Himadri, its Arctic research station located in Spitsbergen, Norway, similar to its presence in the Antarctic near the South Pole.

During the launch, Rijiju expressed anticipation about the functioning of the first batch of researchers in winter conditions, emphasizing that it's a new venture for India in the Arctic.

Having visited Himadri in June, Rijiju acknowledged the potential and trust placed in Indian scientists by the Norwegian Polar Institute. He stated, "Our presence in the Arctic during the winter will add substantial value in the whole process."

The Himadri operations for year-round observations aim to optimize the research station's utilization and address knowledge gaps during winter polar nights, especially in atmospheric sciences, space physics, and biological sciences.

India's vision behind this expedition is to expand its scientific activities in critical Arctic realms and establish a network of observatories studying 'land-sea-atmosphere-cryosphere' interactions. The initiative also seeks to initiate sustained scientific observations in the Arctic Ocean, focusing on understanding sea-ice loss and its impact on phenomena such as Monsoons.

India initiated its Arctic scientific endeavors in 2007, with a team of scientists visiting the International Arctic Research Facilities at Ny-Alesund. Over the years, 57 scientists from 18 institutions have participated in the Indian Arctic Programme, coordinated by NCPOR on behalf of the Ministry.

Research areas include polar biology, glaciology, atmospheric science, and climate change. India's comprehensive long-term Science Plan outlines research activities, and a station building at Ny-Alesund serves as India's Research Base in the Arctic.

India is an active member of the Ny-Alesund Science Managers Committee and holds observer status in the International Arctic Science Committee since 2011.

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