Indian scientific teams launch Swachh Bharat drive in Antarctica

The Swachh Bharat campaign has extended to Antarctica, where winter teams at the Maitri and Bharati stations are conducting a cleanliness and space-optimization drive. This initiative is part of the Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters (SCDPM) 6.

The 45th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA), led by Scientific Officer Huidrom Nageshwar Singh from the India Meteorological Department, is managing the operations in extreme temperatures reaching approximately -48 degrees Celsius. The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) noted that the commitment to maintaining organized workplaces remains steady despite the harsh environment.

The winter crew at Bharati Station includes three Indian women, serving as scientists and a medical doctor. These teams follow the summer component, which completed tasks such as cargo delivery and scientific collaborations with researchers from Khalifa University in the UAE.