NEW DELHI: Notwithstanding protests by Opposition members seeking a debate on price rise, Lok Sabha has  passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022, which seeks to extend the application of domestic laws to research stations set up by India in the Antarctic region.

This was the first bill passed this session on Friday. As soon as the House reassembled Friday afternoon  following the second adjournment of the day, the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022, was taken up for consideration after Earth Sciences Minister Jitendra Singh moved it for consideration.

Responding  to the brief debate on the bill, Singh said the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 and India became a signatory in 1983. "This is more or less no man's land. No one should use that land for nuclear explosion. Basically its (treaty's) objective was to ensure that those countries that have institutions there, they restrict themselves to research or experiments related to climate and geography," he said.

"The main objective of the treaty was that Antarctica is not used for military activity or there is no other misuse, to ensure the demilitarisation of the area. The other objective was to prevent nations from indulging in mining activity or any other illegal activity," the minister said.

When this bill is passed, a committee will be formed headed by Earth sciences secretary and representatives from other ministries, he said. "After the passage of the bill, Indian laws will be applicable in the area occupied by Indian institutions and Indian personnel living in that continent," Singh said.

Participating in the debate, Biju Janata Dal's Bhartruhari Mahtab said the bill aims at promoting Antarctica as a natural reserve that is devoted to science and peace and to ensure that Antarctica does not become the scene of international discord.

The bill proposes to prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica without a permit or written authorisation of another party to the Antarctic Treaty, provide for inspection by an officer appointed by the government and for penalty for contravention of certain provisions of the legislation. It also seeks to constitute a fund for the welfare of Antarctic research work and protection of the environment of the icy continent.

The Chair, Rajendra Agrawal, urged Opposition members to stop their protests and join the debate on the bill. The Bill seeks to extend the application of domestic laws to research stations set up by India in the Antarctic region. India has two active research stations in the Antarctic -- Maitri and Bharti -- where scientists are involved in research.

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