Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday inaugurated Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. These are the first-of-their-kind integrated facilities in India and among the few such infrastructures globally dedicated to polar and ocean research.
The inauguration comes at a time when global discourse on ocean geopolitics is intensifying. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Singh expressed confidence that the enhanced capabilities at NCPOR would strengthen India’s role in global ocean governance and scientific collaboration. “Institutions like NCPOR will be pivotal in positioning India as a key player in ocean geopolitics,” the Minister said.
He added that the new facilities would also enhance India’s capacity to monitor weather patterns and respond to climate change challenges effectively.
The newly inaugurated Polar Bhavan is the largest building on the NCPOR campus, spread across 11,378 square metres and constructed at a cost of ₹55 crore. It houses cutting-edge laboratories for polar and ocean research, 55 accommodation units for scientists, conference and seminar halls, a library, and a canteen. It is also home to the “Science On Sphere (SOS)” platform – a state-of-the-art 3D visualization system for displaying climate and earth system data – and will soon host India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum.
Sagar Bhavan, built over 1,772 square metres at a cost of ₹13 crore, includes ultra-low temperature laboratories with -30°C ice core storage and +4°C sample preservation units. It features 29 specialised rooms, including a Class 1000 clean room for trace metal and isotope studies.
During his visit, Dr. Singh, dressed in Antarctica-specific cold weather gear, also toured the Minus 20°C lab section of the facility.
The inauguration coincided with the Silver Jubilee of NCPOR. As part of the celebrations, the Minister unveiled a documentary chronicling the institute’s 25-year journey and participated in a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming science museum.
Dr. Singh underscored the significance of polar research in the context of global climate change. He cited expert assessments indicating that nearly 70% of the world’s freshwater is stored in polar ice. “Uncontrolled melting could lead to rising sea levels, posing serious threats to low-lying coastal areas, including India’s extensive coastline of over 1,000 km,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of ocean sciences in national development, the Minister referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent focus on the Blue Economy. He noted that the Deep Ocean Mission, led by NCPOR, aligns with the government’s broader “Viksit Bharat by 2047” vision.
Dr. Singh also referenced India’s policy initiatives such as the Arctic Policy (2022) and the Indian Antarctic Act (2022), which provide a structured legal and ethical framework for India’s polar engagement, ensuring adherence to international standards.
India maintains a robust research presence in polar and high-altitude regions through its permanent stations in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharati), the Arctic (Himadri), and the Himalayas (Himansh). Recent Indian scientific expeditions have also extended to the Canadian Arctic, Greenland, and the Central Arctic Ocean.