April 1, 2022
Saugata Roy opposes introduction of Indian Antarctic Bill as Antarctica is not an Indian territory
Sir, under Rule 72(1) of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha, I oppose the introduction of
the Indian Antarctica Bill, 2022. I do not know what authority our Government has over Antarctica! Antarctica is still an uncharted territory. Countries have gone there. We have set up two research stations, including one called Maitri. Our people are going there. Some tourists are going there. Now, the Minister wants to prohibit Indian expedition to Antarctica without a permit. He wants to establish a Committee on Antarctica Governance to provide for inspection in India by an officer. आप अं टाकर्िटक मेंभी अपनी ब्यूरोक्रेसी पह�ं चा दें गे ? If anything is to be done in Antarctica, it has to be done multilaterally after entering into an agreement with several countries. What is the point in bringing an Indian Antarctica Bill when Antarctica is not our territory? Sir, it is legally not tenable to have a law on an area which does not belong to us. This effort to impose an Indian law in Antarctica is wrong, and not a properly
thought-out step. I hope, the Minister will desist from this, and if not, will send the Bill to the Standing Committee immediately without any discussion. सभापित महोदय, �ल 72(1) मेंरोज अपोिजशन बोलनेके िलए बोलती है। सं िवधान केबाद �ल 253 में… It is our right.
