Policy Update
Anto Mariya M M
Background
Polar Science and Cryosphere Research scheme, abbreviated as PACER, is an initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under the Government of India. PACER is a research and development (R&D) scheme aimed at studying different aspects of the polar and cryosphere with special attention to the Antarctic, Arctic and the Glaciers of the Himalayas. Its implementation is carried out by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
The objectives of the PACER Scheme, as stated by MoES, include:
- Ensure the country’s strategic and scientific interests in the Polar Region and the surrounding oceans.
- Continue the long-term frontline scientific programmes in Antarctica, the Arctic, the Himalayas, and the Southern Ocean, which are pertinent to national needs and have potential societal, strategic, and global relevance.
- Planning, coordination and implementation of the annual Indian Antarctic, Arctic, Himalayan, and Southern Ocean expeditions.
- Maintenance of Indian Research bases at Antarctica, the Arctic and the Himalaya.
- Establishment of a state-of-the-art polar research and logistics facility in the country.
The PACER scheme comprises the Antarctic Program, the Indian Arctic Program, the Southern Ocean Program, and the Cryosphere and Climate Program. The purpose of the PACER scheme is to improve our understanding of the polar science and cryosphere system. PACER is one of the five existing programmes that have been brought under an umbrella scheme called “Prithvi Vigyan (PRITHVI)” by MoES.
Functioning
India’s premier R&D institution, responsible for the country’s research activities in the polar and Southern Ocean realms, the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), is carrying out the implementation of the PACER Scheme. NCPOR is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The activities under the PACER Scheme can be predominantly classified under five heads:
1. Scientific Studies in Antarctica
2. Operations and Management of Indian Antarctic Station
3. Himalayan Cryospheric Studies
4. Scientific Studies in the Arctic
5. Southern Ocean Studies
The Prithvi Vigyan (PRITHVI) scheme, under which PACER is a sub-scheme, has been approved at an overall cost of Rs. 4,797 crores from 2021-26 by the Union Cabinet. With an approval for continuation during 2021-2026, the Polar Science and Cryosphere (PACER) scheme is going strong.
Impact
The PACER scheme has been eventful, with scientific explorations into Antarctica, the Arctic and the Southern Ocean, studying the cryosphere and polar science. PACER is research-oriented, studying Earth’s two poles as well as the natural barrier of India – the Himalayas. Studying the ice-sheet dynamics and effects of climate change on these regions provides valuable insights into climate risks and disaster risks in India.
- Expedition to Antarctica
The 43rd Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (43-ISEA) was launched in 2023-2024, following the successful completion of previous Antarctic expeditions.
- Glaciological and Geophysical Measurements
Various glaciological and geophysical measurements were carried out in coastal Dronning Maud Land (cDML). This sheds light on understanding the modern snow accumulation patterns around the ice rises and the remote contribution to the glacio-chemical processes.
- Field-based studies
In order to understand the biogeochemical processes in supraglacial environments, field-based studies were conducted in the lakes of Larsemann Hills, that is present in East Antarctica.
- Clear-air atmospheric observatories
Clear-air atmospheric observatories have been established at Maitri and Bharati stations to measure aerosol and greenhouse gas concentrations.
- Arctic Permafrost Studies
The accelerated warming of the Arctic is causing permafrost thawing. It poses health and climate Risks, owing to the release of greenhouse gases and the potential release of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and viruses. To address these issues, a permafrost microbiome project in the high Arctic region has been initiated.
- IndARC mooring system
IndARC mooring system, along with the Hydrophone system, was successfully retrieved and deployed in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard.
- Glaciological field campaigns
Glaciological field campaigns were carried out in six benchmark glaciers in the Chandra basin of the Lahaul-Spiti region of the Western Himalaya. Winter snow accumulation over the glaciers was recorded using snow pits and a snow corer.
- Automatic Weather Station (AWS) systems
Two new Automatic Weather Station (AWS) systems were installed at Baralacha La, a high-elevation site in the arid Spiti region, to strengthen infrastructure across the Chandra basin.
- Southern Ocean Expedition
The 11th Indian Southern Ocean Expedition was executed successfully. Various atmospheric, geological, oceanographic and biological measurements were conducted in the Prydz Bay as well as across different fronts of the Southern Ocean.
Emerging Issues
- Harsh weather conditions pose a hurdle in logistics and the operation of research in polar regions. The remoteness and limited accessibility also prevent the researchers from conducting their study.
- Research endeavours in Antarctica and the Arctic are an expensive affair. This cost-intensive programme will require a lot of financial resources from the country to sustain it in the long run.
- While India has begun to focus on Arctic research, many international players have already made significant progress in this pursuit. So, India faces international competition with the exploration of resources in these regions. The pursuance of India’s strategic interests with programmes like PACER may be affected by the predominance of other state actors.
- India faces a lack of skilled personnel in polar research, as well as technological issues in carrying out such research under extreme environmental conditions.
Way Forward
The Polar Science and Cryosphere Research scheme, focusing on studying the cryosphere as well as conducting research in polar regions of the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Himalayas, has far more implications than educational and research purposes. It all depends on translating the findings of such scientific exploration in the Indian context. Studying the melting of ice caps, defrosting of Permafrost, and the consequences of climate change in the Arctic and Antarctica can be useful as it can provide information on what implications climate change will have on the Himalayas, considered to be the natural frontier of India and prepare better for the future. The PACER scheme rightfully has a specific focus on the Himalayan cryospheric studies.
In order to enrich the fruitfulness of the PACER initiative, capacity building and training for scientists and engineers in polar research are essential. More researchers exhibiting expertise in the field will enhance the research purposes. The Government of India must demonstrate its long-term commitment to funding polar research in the Arctic, Antarctica, and the Southern Ocean, as it will enable confidence in the researchers to take up the particular field of study.
The Government can pursue more infrastructural developments and research facilities for the study of polar regions. It can also collaborate with other countries in this regard. By taking these steps, the potential of the PACER scheme can be realised and the benefits of research in the cryosphere and polar science can be utilised for Indian issues.
References
1. Ministry of Earth Science. (n.d.). Annual Reports. Government of India. https://moes.gov.in/documents/annual-reports
2. Ministry of Earth Science. (n.d.). PACER. Government of India. https://moes.gov.in/schemes/polar-science-cryosphere?language_content_entity=en
3. Press Information Bureau. (2022, March 24). PACER initiative. Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1809081#:~:text=Polar%20Science%20and%20Cryosphere%20Research%20(PACER)%20scheme,institute%20under%20the%20Ministry%20of%20Earth%20Sciences.&text=The%20Polar%20Science%20and%20Cryosphere%20(PACER)%20scheme%20has%20been%20approved%20for%20continuation%20during%202021%2D2026
4. Press Information Bureau. (2017, August 02). Progress in Earth Sciences. Government of India. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1498200
About the Contributor
Anto Mariya M M is currently pursuing her postgraduate degree in Political Science at Madras Christian College. She is a research intern at Impact and Policy Research Institute (IMPRI).
Acknowledgement
The author sincerely thanks Ms. Aasthaba Jadeja and the IMPRI team for their valuable support.
Disclaimer: All views expressed in the article belong solely to the author and not necessarily to the organisation.
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