India’s accession of Instrument of Antarctica Treaty (done at Washington on 1^st December 1959) as well as entry into force in 1983, thereafter, signing Madrid Protocol (Protocol on Environmental Protection to Antarctica Treaty) in 1992, subsequently entry into force in 1998, affirms comprehensive protection of Antarctic Environment, dependent and associated ecosystem.

Environmental Authorisations and Permits required under Environmental Protocol and for activities south of 60 degrees south, or involving marine organisms in the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) area. 

Permit Requirement applies to Indian Antarctic Expedition Members as well as other organisations undertaking activities within ASPA in the Antarctic Treaty Area through Indian Antarctic Expedition or part of it, including scientists, logistical personnel and tour operators. Foreign nationals and organisations based overseas should contact their respective country’s Antarctic administrative organisations for permits and authorisations unless their activity is part of the Indian Antarctic Expedition.

Visits to ASPAs are prohibited, except in accordance with a permit issued. It is prohibited to damage, remove or destroy an Antarctic Historic Site and Monument (HSM) or any part of it.

This information is asked to ensure that visitors understand the correct procedures and are aware of the appropriate standards of conduct when visiting each site.  Each ASPA has its own Management Plan, which should be studied before travelling to, and carried while within, the specific ASPA.  When answering this question you should summarise how you will ensure you adhere to the provisions described in the Management Plan for the ASPA(s) you intend to visit. Following ASPA and HSM being 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

Road Map of Application Approval

While submitting Scientific Proposal to Indian Antarctic Programme, application form for Environmental Authorization and Permit should also be submitted, subjected to applicability. Following, procedure will be followed for application, assessment and permit allocation process for those wishing to undertake specialist activities in Antarctica.

1. Participant has to visit Treaty and Environment Section of NCAOR web site: http://www.ncaor.gov.in, to obtain application form
2. Contact the Environmental Officer, NCAOR, Particularly if, your proposed activity is unusual or complicated, as soon as possible
3. If necessary, complete an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) or Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation (CEE).
4. Complete and submit your application form At least 3 months before you expect to enter Antarctica
5. Your application is assessed, provide clarification, further information and documentation, as needed, or attend a meeting at the NCAOR with concern scientist/officer 
6. Permit issued (or grounds for rejection of the application and information on appeal process provided.)
7. Complete and send the Post Visit Report to the Polar Environment Division-NCAOR, within 45 days of the expiry of the entry permit

Environmental Authorization, Permit Application and Post Visit/Activity Forms