National Centre for Antarctic
& Ocean Research

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The National Centre for Antarctic & Ocean
Research (NCAOR) was established as an autonomous R & D Institution of
the Department of Ocean Development (now known as Ministry of Earth
Sciences, Government of India) on the 25th May 1998.
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With a mission mandate that is quite
challenging, the Centre is designated as the nodal organisation for the
co-ordination and implementation of the Indian Antarctic Programme,
including the maintenance of India's permanent station in Antarctica.
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Spread across 147,660 sq. mts sprawling
area, set atop a picturesque plateau, NCAOR is located in India’s most
seafaring state of Goa.
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At NCAOR the scientific mandate is
multidisciplinary. Operating in a complex matrix, which has as its focal
theme, research in those areas of the polar science currently not being
undertaken by any other institution in India.
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In a rapid stride, not only have the basic
infrastructure and computing facilities been established, but also true
scientific recognition earned. The Universities of Goa and Mangalore have
recognized NCAOR as a research centre for the pursuit of doctoral
research.
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India’s commitment to continue research in
Antarctica and also to preserve the pristine environment was given a
concrete shape with the establishment of the first polar and R&D lab at
NCAOR. For the first time in the country, a low temperature laboratory
complex at –25o C has been established for the preservation
and analysis of ice core and snow samples, not only from Antarctica but
also from Himalayas. In addition, an ultra clean laboratory has been established to study the ice samples in a pristine environment.
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The jewel in the NCAOR’s scientific crown
is the upkeep of the year round Indian station in Antarctica, ‘Maitri’.
Maitri was established in 1989 and allows Indian scientists to conduct
critical studies across all areas of polar research. This is a modern
station that has comfortable living accommodation, a well-equipped
library and a state of the art laboratory & communication system.
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Another important mandate given to NCAOR
is the management of Oceanic Research Vessel (ORV) Sagar Kanya – a
multidisciplinary Oceanographic Research Vessel dedicated to the survey
& exploration of high seas. Commissioned in 1983, Sagar Kanya has been
the flagship of the country for multi-agency oceanographic studies in
Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean. The vessel has contributed
extensively for understanding the seas around the Indian sub-continent
during the last seventeen years.
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NCAOR research is forever dedicated to
adding global value, by extending the frontiers of science. This has
found a multifaceted expression, through participation in global
experiments, hosting of international conferences and in the leadership
of international committees concerned with this endeavor. |
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Undertake, aid, promote, guide and
co-ordinate scientific research in the fields of polar science and
Southern Ocean Oceanography.
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Serve as a nodal agency responsible for
the overall coordination and implementation of the Indian Antarctic and
Arctic Programmes.
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Establish and maintain research base in
Antarctica & Arctic and provide all operational and logistic support.
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Encourage multi-disciplinary and
multi-institutional research both at National and International levels,
especially in the frontier areas of science, which are emerging and have
potential applications.
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Devise, formulate and initiate programs,
which will create knowledge base for future commercial and thematic
interests of India in Antarctica, Arctic and the Southern Ocean.
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Effectively interact and liaise with SCAR,
COMNAP, ATS, CEP and other international bodies in order to keep the
Indian Antarctic Program abreast with international developments and to
ensure a perceptible presence of India in the global frame work of
nations in Antarctica.
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Extend a singular research laboratory
setup with such facilities which are of specialized nature or otherwise
not easily accessible.
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Develop predictive models for dynamic
processes controlled and driven by Antarctica and the surrounding
oceans.
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Co-ordinate, address and monitor all
environmental issues in Antarctica arising out of the Environmental
Protocol.
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Develop a complete database inventory and
repository (National Antarctic Data Centre) for Antarctic and Arctic
Science and logistics including a polar museum and a library.
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Provide a fertile platform to generate
specialized human resource capabilities for polar science and logistics
through training, fellowships, awards, workshops, publications, and
exchange of scientists etc., both at national and international levels.
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Cruise planning and management of the
oceanographic research vessels engaged by the Ministry of Earth Sciences
and the NCAOR.
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Take up other scientific and technological
projects of the Ministry of Earth Sciences when entrusted.
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