On May 20, 2025, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, Dr. Jitendra Singh, inaugurated Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa. These first-of-its-kind facilities in India, among the few globally, mark a significant milestone in advancing India’s research capabilities in polar and ocean studies.
Strengthening India’s Role in Ocean Geopolitics
Global Leadership in Research
Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that these facilities position NCPOR to enhance India’s role in ocean geopolitics and enable the country to play a global role in shaping international discussions. The new infrastructure will also support studies on weather patterns and address pressing climate concerns, reinforcing India’s commitment to sustainable development.
Details of the New Facilities
Advanced Infrastructure for Research
Polar Bhavan, spanning 11,378 square meters and built at a cost of ₹55 crore, is the largest building at NCPOR. It features laboratories, 55 rooms for scientific personnel, a conference room, seminar hall, library, canteen, and the Science On Sphere (SOS) 3D visualization platform for displaying earth and climate data. It will also house India’s first Polar and Ocean Museum.
Sagar Bhavan, covering 1,772 square meters at a cost of ₹13 crore, includes two -30°C ice core laboratories, +4°C storage units for sediment and biological samples, and a Class 1000 clean room for trace metal and isotope studies.
Silver Jubilee of NCPOR
Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence
The inauguration coincided with the Silver Jubilee of NCPOR, marked by the unveiling of a documentary highlighting the institute’s 25-year journey. Dr. Jitendra Singh also took a virtual walkthrough of the upcoming Polar and Ocean Museum, which will offer immersive, science-based public engagement experiences.
Protecting Coastal Regions
Monitoring Polar Ice Melt
The Minister stressed the urgency of monitoring polar ice melt, noting that 70% of the world’s freshwater is held in polar ice. A significant melt could lead to rising sea levels, impacting India’s over 1,000 km coastline. NCPOR’s research is critical for addressing these environmental and socio-economic challenges.
Aligning with the Blue Economy
Driving National Growth
Dr. Jitendra Singh linked NCPOR’s efforts to the Blue Economy and the Deep Ocean Mission, key components of Prime Minister Modi’s vision for Viksit Bharat by 2047. He highlighted India’s research presence in Antarctica (Maitri and Bharati stations), the Arctic (Himadri), and the Himalayas (Himansh), supported by policies like the Indian Antarctic Act 2022 and Arctic Policy 2022.
Below is a summary of the key details of the inauguration:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Inauguration Date | May 20, 2025 |
| Facilities | Sagar Bhavan, Polar Bhavan |
| Location | NCPOR, Goa |
| Cost | Polar Bhavan: ₹55 crore, Sagar Bhavan: ₹13 crore |
| Key Features | Ice Core Labs, SOS Platform, Polar and Ocean Museum |
| Missions Supported | Blue Economy, Deep Ocean Mission |
Global and Strategic Significance
Leading in Climate and Ocean Research
The new facilities position NCPOR among a select group of global institutions with integrated polar and ocean research capabilities. By fostering international collaboration and supporting India’s science-driven participation in global climate initiatives, NCPOR is set to play a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development and ocean geopolitics.
Key Highlights
- Sagar Bhavan and Polar Bhavan inaugurated on May 20, 2025, at NCPOR, Goa.
- Facilities to enhance India’s role in ocean geopolitics and climate research.
- Polar Bhavan (₹55 crore) includes SOS platform and future Polar and Ocean Museum.
- Sagar Bhavan (₹13 crore) features ice core labs and clean room for research.
- Supports Blue Economy and Deep Ocean Mission for Viksit Bharat 2047.
- Addresses polar ice melt to protect India’s coastal regions.