India and its allies aim to regulate tourism in the Antarctic due to growing worries about its impact on the environment. The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Conference (ATCM) and the 26th Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) conference, which are both focused on this issue, will be held in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20 to May 30, at the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ravichandran, emphasised the pressing need for regulation and outlined the difficulties associated with uncontrolled tourism. India suggests more stringent regulations to protect the fragile ecosystem in the area, including the establishment of criteria for travellers to Antarctica.
In order to assist in continuing scientific efforts, India runs two research stations in Antarctica: Maitri and Bharati. The government provides these bases with yearly maintenance funding of about Rs 150–200 crore, which guarantees careful maintenance and garbage disposal.
Since its inception in the 1950s, thousands of people have been to the Antarctic each year as a result of a tourism surge. For the 2022–2023 season, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) released several significant figures.
India and its allies are working to encourage environmentally conscious travel to Antarctica, with a focus on limited access and protection.
