India’s accession to the instrument of Antarctic Treaty was executed in 1983, after that, on signing the Madrid Protocol, also known as Environmental Protocol (Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty) in 1998 (adopted in 1991 and enforced in 1998), affirmed the comprehensive protection of Antarctic Environment and its dependent and associated ecosystems. 

Environmental Authorization and Permit is required for commencing activities within the south of 60 degrees south and marine area under the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).   

 Environmental Authorization and Permit Requirement applies to

1. Undertake activities in the Antarctic Treaty area by Indian Antarctic Expedition Member/s or other organization/s or any citizen of India, or part of it, including scientists and logistic personnel.
2. Citizens and organizations of State Party other than India, if their activity is part of the Indian Antarctic Expedition and they have not obtained Permit or authorization from their respective Country.

(Provided the proponent intends to enter into Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA) or any activity that shall have an environmental impact on the Antarctic environment and its dependent and associated ecosystems)

If visiting, Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA), Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA) and Historic Site and Monument (HSM) 

This information is required to ensure that visitors understand the correct procedures and are also aware of the appropriate conduct while on-site visitation.  

ASPA, ASMA and HSM managed by India and/or party to it:

 1.      Historic Site And Monument (HSM- 44): A Plaque Erected At “Dakshin Gangotri” Station

 2.      Historic Site And Monument (HSM- 78):  Memorial plaque at India Point, Humboldt Mountains, Wohlthat

          Massif, central Dronning Maud Land

 3.      Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA-163) -Dakshin Gangotri Glacier, Dronning Maud Land, Antarctic

         Specially Protected Area

 4.      Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA-174) - Stornes, Larsemann Hills, Princess Elizabeth Land

 5.      Antarctic Specially Managed Area (ASMA-6) - Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica

Road Map of Application Approval

After obtaining the clearance of the Environmental Review process of the scientific proposal and provisional intimation from NCPOR, the application form should be submitted at least three months before commencing activity in Antarctica. 

The procedure below is instituted for application assessment to provide a Permit and environmental authorization for those who intend to undertake the Antarctic activity.

     1.   The proponent shall download the application form from the Treaty and Environment section of the Antarctic

           Expedition from the website.

     2.   The proponent shall contact the Environmental Officer, NCPOR, mainly if the proposed activity is unusual or

           complicated, as soon as possible

    3.   The proponent shall, if necessary, complete an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) or Comprehensive

           Environmental Evaluation (CEE) of the proposed activity likely to commence in Antarctica

    4.   The proponent shall complete and submit the application form at least three months before commencing the

          activity in Antarctica

    5.    The application shall be assessed then, if required, the proponent shall be asked to provide clarification,

           further information and document, as needed, or maybe requested to attend a meeting at NCPOR

    6.    If the proposed activity is commensurate with the Management Plan of a particular ASPA or EIA process, the

          Permit shall  be issued, otherwise denied.

Editable Forms for Environmental Authorization, Permit Application and Post Visit/Activity