Section 6. There is growing concern over preserving the pristine Antarctic environment and ocean around Antarct

6. There is growing concern over preserving the pristine Antarctic environment and ocean around Antarctica from exploitation of marine living resources and human presence in Antarctica. The coordination and management of scientific research in Antarctica is implemented by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, an autonomous research Institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. India organises regular Antarctic expeditions and many persons from India visit Antarctica every year as tourists. In the future, the private ship and aviation industry will also start operations and promote tourism and fishing in Antarctica, which needs to be regulated. The continuing and growing presence of Indian scientists in Antarctica warrants a domestic legislation on Antarctica consistent with its obligations as a member of the Antarctic Treaty. This is also in sync with the emergence of India as a global leader on important international fronts.