Polar Bhavan and Sagar Bhavan, first-of-their-kind integrated facilities for polar and ocean research, were inaugurated at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. Also launched: “Science On Sphere (SOS)”, a 3D visualization platform to display Earth systems and climate-related data. The two new facilities make NCPOR one of the few globally with such integrated polar-ocean research capability.
About Polar Bhavan
- Largest building at NCPOR: 11,378 sq. m., built at a cost of ₹55 crore.
- Facilities:
- Laboratories for polar and ocean research
- 55 rooms for scientists
- Conference & seminar halls, library, canteen
- Houses Science On Sphere (SOS)
- Will be home to India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum
About Sagar Bhavan
- Area: 1,772 sq. m., cost: ₹13 crore
- Key features:
- Two ice core labs at -30°C
- +4°C storage units for sediment & biological samples
- 29 rooms including metal-free Class 1000 clean room for trace metal & isotope studies
Significance of Inauguration
- Enhances India’s capability in polar, ocean, and climate research
- Aligns with India’s vision of Blue Economy and Deep Ocean Mission
- Supports India’s growing role in ocean geopolitics, especially amid global strategic discourse
- Adds strength to India’s C4ISR capabilities through environmental monitoring
- Reinforces India’s commitment under Arctic Policy (2022) and Indian Antarctic Act (2022)
Strategic Importance of Polar and Ocean Research
- 70% of Earth’s freshwater is locked in polar ice
- Melting ice means rising sea levels, thus posing threat to India’s >1,000 km coastline
- Polar studies are crucial for:
- Climate change monitoring
- Weather pattern understanding
- Geo-strategic planning
- India’s research now spans Arctic (Canada, Greenland), Antarctica, and Central Arctic Ocean
About NCPOR (National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research)
- India’s premier R&D institute for polar and Southern Ocean studies
- HQ: Goa
- Operates Indian research bases:
- Antarctica: Maitri, Bharati
- Arctic: Himadri
- Himalayas: Himansh
- Leads Deep Ocean Mission under Blue Economy roadmap
NCPOR: Roles & Mandates
| Mandate Area | Details |
| Scientific Leadership | Polar & ocean sciences, including trace elements, sediment, gas hydrates |
| Geoscientific Surveys | Mapping of EEZ, extended continental shelf, deep-sea drilling |
| Expedition Management | Annual missions to Antarctica, Arctic, Southern Ocean |
| Base Station Management | Maitri, Bharati, Himadri |
| Fleet Management | Research vessel ORV Sagar Kanya and others |
| Exploration Focus | Gas hydrates, multi-metal sulphides, deep-sea resources |
Policy Frameworks
Indian Antarctic Act, 2022:
- Legal basis for Indian operations in Antarctica
- Aligns with international treaties
India’s Arctic Policy, 2022:
- Emphasizes science-led, environmentally responsible polar engagement