Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
In 1983, Dakshin Gangotri, India's first scientific base station in Antarctica was established, about 2,500 kilometers from the South Pole. Named after the Gangotri glacier, it was constructed during India’s third expedition to the ice-covered, southernmost continent.
Until being abandoned in 1988-89, when it was submerged in ice, the station served as a center for studying the meteorology, communications, geology, magnetic surveys, and flora and fauna of this remote continent.
These efforts helped India become a consultative member of the Antarctic Treaty, and get inducted into the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research.
Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
Launching explorations
Keen on establishing a foothold in scientific research in Antarctica, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, who had set up the Department of Ocean Development (now the Ministry of Earth Sciences) some months earlier, launched an expedition programme in December 1981.
Syed Zahoor Qasim, a noted Indian marine biologist, led and guided several of these expeditions.
India made its first expedition to the continent in 1981-82, laying the groundwork for scientific research in the region. “What a wonderful opportunity the first Indian Antarctic expedition gave to a young team of our scientists.
Drawn from seven different research institutions, they worked on common objectives of significant national importance. It also proved India’s capability to undertake Antarctic exploration of a high order,” Indira Gandhi had noted after the first successful trip.
Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
A second expedition followed in 1982-83, which strengthened the country’s Antarctic research efforts. Both missions were carried out during the summer months on the continent, and the need was felt to continue these studies in the winter months. The only way to do this was by establishing a permanent base station there.
Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
The third expedition
It was decided that in the third expedition, undertaken in 1983-84, a permanent scientific base would be built. Eighty three individuals, including two women scientists Sudipta Sengupta and Aditi Pant, set off from Goa by the Finnpolaris, a Finnish vessel specially chartered for the occasion.
Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
Engineers of the Indian Army took on the main task of construction, while the Indian Navy and Air Force provided logistical support. Twelve members of the team remained permanently stationed at the base, conducting experiments during the winter.
The structure of Dakshin Gangotri
The two double storey blocks, connected by a single storey corridor, were made mainly from timber that was insulated and then covered in metallic sheets. Located on an ice shelf on Princess Astrid Coast, the structure was built on a raft foundation to prevent sinking and ensure load was evenly distributed.
The space included laboratories, a living room, bunkrooms, restrooms, a kitchen, and supply and storage areas.
Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
Life and work at the base station
In its initial days, the station withstood blizzards as strong as 160 km/hour, with temperatures of -30°C.
Notably, the scientists studied the meteorological parameters over the seas between India and Antarctica, as well as over Antarctica itself. Radio communications, including an amateur radio station, were operated to contact several Indian cities, countries, and other Antarctic bases.
Large sets of geological samples were collected for laboratory analysis.
A post office was also set up, and it received thousands of letters.
Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
In 1984, on 26 January, scientists from the Soviet Union and East Germany enthusiastically joined the Indian team in celebrating Republic Day there.
Dakshin Gangotri: India's first scientific base at the South Pole by RuiningMagazines
Winding down operations
Antarctic expeditions from India continued for years. In 1988-89, Dakshin Gangotri was submerged in ice. Following its decommissioning in 1990, it was turned into a supply base.
However, it paved the way for the establishment of new Antarctic research stations such as Maitri and Bharati, as well as Arctic scientific base stations including Himadri and IndARC, in later years.
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