In a landmark development set to enhance India’s role in global oceanic and polar research, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated two state-of-the-art research facilities—”Sagar Bhavan” and “Polar Bhavan”—at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa.
Described as the first-of-their-kind in India and among only a few globally, these cutting-edge infrastructures are designed to advance India’s scientific and strategic interests in polar and ocean domains.
Polar Bhavan: A Hub for Polar Research and India’s First Polar Museum
The Polar Bhavan, now the largest building on the NCPOR campus, spans 11,378 square metres and was built at a cost of ₹55 crore. Equipped with modern laboratories, the facility features 55 rooms for scientific personnel, a conference room, seminar hall, library, and a canteen. Notably, it houses the newly launched State-of-the-Science (SOS) facility and is set to become home to India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum, reflecting the country’s growing investment in polar science.
Sagar Bhavan: Advanced Facilities for Ice and Sediment Research
The Sagar Bhavan, constructed at a cost of ₹13 crore, covers 1,772 square metres and is tailored for advanced scientific research. It includes two ice core laboratories capable of -30°C, +4°C storage units for preserving sediment and biological samples, and 29 rooms, including a Class 1000 clean room for trace metal and isotope studies. These facilities are expected to significantly strengthen India’s research capabilities in climate science and marine ecosystems.
Strategic Significance and Global Outlook
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the strategic significance of the new facilities. “In the times to come, these centres will not only boost India’s scientific capabilities but also elevate our role in global geopolitics, particularly in ocean governance and climate diplomacy,” he said.
Dr. Singh highlighted India’s commitment to science-led, environmentally responsible engagement in the polar regions, citing the Indian Arctic Policy (2022) and the Indian Antarctic Act (2022) as legislative and strategic foundations. “The Indian Antarctic Act provides a legal framework for our operations in Antarctica, aligning with international laws and ensuring sustainable research practices,” he added.
A Vision for the Future
The inauguration marks a significant milestone in India’s quest to lead in polar and ocean sciences, fostering innovation, international collaboration, and scientific excellence. The facilities are expected to serve as platforms for long-term climate observation, oceanographic studies, and educational outreach—contributing not only to academic research but also to policy-making and climate resilience initiatives.
As the global conversation on climate change and ocean governance intensifies, India’s enhanced research infrastructure at NCPOR positions the nation as a key stakeholder in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
