News Excerpt:

The government intends to operationalize a new research station in East Antarctica, near existing Indian research base Maitri.

More details on the news:

• The site for the new station has been identified. A preliminary topographical survey for the approach road is underway.
• The existing Indian research station ‘Maitri’ is very old.
•  It is imperative to build a new research station.
•  The proposed project envisages adherence to environmental protocol for Antarctica and improving the quality of Indian scientific research in Antarctica.

Maitri

•  In the year 1988, an ice-free, rocky area on the Schirmacher oasis was selected to build the Second Research Station “Maitri.
• The building was erected on steel stilts and has since stood the test of time. 
•  Maitri also serves as a gateway to one of the largest mountain chains in central Dronning Maud land, located south of Schirmacher, Antarctica.
•  It is an inland station about 100 km from the shore at an elevation of about 50 meters above sea level.
• It can support 25 persons in the main building during summers as well as winters and about 40 in the summer facility comprising of containerized living modules.