Source: Pin code MH-1718: In Antarctica, a post office with Indian address (The Indian Express, April 6, 2024)
Letters going to Antarctica will now need a new PIN code: MH-1718. India’s Department of Posts is opening another post office at the Bharati research station in Antarctica.
Key Facts
- In 1984, India established its first post office in Antarctica at Dakshi Gangotri, its initial scientific base on the continent.
- Within the first year, approximately 10,000 letters and mail were sent and processed at this historic post office.
- Dakshin Gangotri was submerged in ice in 1988-89 and was no longer operational.
- On January 26, 1990, India opened a post office branch at its Maitri research station in Antarctica.
- For over 35 years, individuals, mainly philatelists, collectors, and hobbyists, have been sending letters and postcards in blank envelopes to the Maitri post office for cancellation.
- The cancellation mark, ‘Maitri North Goa’, from the Antarctic research base, is highly sought after by collectors.
- Now, almost four decades later, letters bound for Antarctica will be assigned a new PIN code, MH-1718.
- The Department of Posts has inaugurated a second branch of the post office at the Bharati research station in Antarctica.
- The current PIN code, “MH-1718,” is considered experimental, which is typical for new branches, according to officials.
Geographical Separation of Research Bases:
- India’s two research bases on Antarctica, Maitri and Bharati, are situated 3,000 km apart.
- Both branches fall under the jurisdiction of the Goa postal division.
Mail Handling Procedure:
- Letters addressed to the post office in Antarctica are initially sent to the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa.
- During a scientific expedition to Antarctica, a researcher typically carries these letters from the NCPOR to the continent.
- At the research base, the letters undergo cancellation, then they are brought back and dispatched via post.
Significance of the Post Office:
- Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which prohibits territorial claims, military activity, and nuclear testing, emphasizing scientific exploration.
- Unlike typical Indian post offices, which are located within Indian territory, the post office in Antarctica provides a unique opportunity as it operates in foreign territory.
- Therefore, it serves a strategic purpose by asserting India’s presence on the continent.
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) is an autonomous organization within the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, based in Goa. It plays a significant role in polar and oceanic research, contributing to global scientific knowledge and understanding climate change.
- Scope of Research: Exploring Polar and Oceanic Realms: NCPOR conducts research in diverse environments, from the Polar Regions to the Indian Ocean. Its studies range from historical climate patterns to current climate change dynamics. Through state-of-the-art facilities, it leads Indian Polar Programs and various geoscientific projects.
- Nodal Agency for Scientific Endeavors: NCPOR serves as the primary organization for planning, promoting, coordinating, and executing polar and southern ocean research in India. It also manages essential logistical operations for these scientific pursuits.
- Strategic Projects and Initiatives: NCPOR is actively involved in strategic projects like mapping the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), continental shelf margins, and implementing the Deep Ocean Mission. These projects contribute to national development and security interests.
- Research Advisory Committee and Location: NCPOR maintains a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) to guide its research activities. Located in Vasco da Gama, Goa, it was formerly known as the National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR), showcasing its evolution and expanded focus.
The Antarctic Treaty
The Antarctic Treaty System is an international agreement that governs activities in Antarctica. Its primary goal is to promote scientific research while safeguarding the pristine environment of the continent. The treaty was first opened for signature on December 1st, 1959, marking it as the first arms control agreement during the Cold War era.
It designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve, ensuring freedom for scientific exploration and prohibiting military activities.
- Origins and Significance: The Antarctic Treaty was signed in Washington on December 1st, 1959, by twelve countries that were actively involved in scientific activities during the International Geophysical Year (IGY) of 1957-1958. It came into force in 1961 and has since been joined by numerous other nations, with the current total of 56 parties. This treaty represents a landmark effort in international cooperation for the peaceful management of Antarctica.
- Territorial Claims and Recognitions: Among the original signatories of the Treaty, seven countries – Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, and the United Kingdom – have asserted territorial claims over certain parts of Antarctica, some of which overlap. However, other countries do not recognize these claims. Notably, the United States and Russia maintain a stance of having a “basis of claim” without formal recognition of territorial sovereignty. This diversity in territorial claims reflects the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding Antarctica.