We can�t witness the sun for more than 1 or 2 hrs a day during May
to June. On June 21, we can�t see the sun through out the day, we celebrated this day
as � Antarctic Mid Day� we recorded a maximum temp. of �8 degree Celsius in
summer and a minimum of �45 degree Celsius in winter.
E-Pao: Well that's a pretty cold
affair, anyway is there any fear of environmental degradation in Antarctica due to the
intrusion of many human population and the various scientific activities carried out there
?
Gajananda: No, not at all. According to the Antarctica Treaty 1956, no country or
individual is allowed to exploit natural resource and non- environment friendly activities
are permitted in Antarctica. Scientific Committee for Antarctica Research, SCAR and other
environment NGOs are keeping their eyes focused and are monitoring all activities there.
Every body including the Scientist and researcher strictly observe and respect these
protocols. So, we need not worry about any environmental degradation in Antartica due to
human activities there.
E-Pao: What sort of
plants and animals survive in this sort of wheather condition ?
Gajananda: As Antarctica is a totally barren land, organisms can scarcely survive
there. But we found some flora like algae, lichen and fauna like mites, Tardigrades and
penguin. Any thing more than that the place is barren and empty.
E-Pao: A short
description of Maitri Station�
Gajananda: Maitri was established in 1990 and is located at Queen Maud Land 200 Km
away from the shelf. It is totally insulated and is fire proof. There are 69 other
stations from 17 countries in different parts of Antarctica. We use generators for
electricity. The station is well equipped with the latest technology in communication,
transport, health care, food resources and other scientific facilities. Dakshin Gangotri,
which was the permanent station of India, had been dissolved due to shift climatic
condition of the location. Now, Maitri is India�s permanent station at Antarctica.
E-Pao: If
you had to go to another station or want to talk to your loved ones. How was that done?
What were the means of transport and communication there?
Gajananda: For commuting purposes, we use snow
scooters and a chopper. To communicate with other stations and mainland we depend on
sattelite based systems - e-mail, Internet, teleconferencing apart from fax and ISD.
E-Pao: You
must have come back with lots of memories of the place. What were your most bitter and
happy moments during your stay ?
Gajananda: Well, the most bitter moment was the demise of our chopper engineer due to
Hypothermia on the 14th of January 2000. It is a disease caused due to extreme cold. And
definitely, the happiest moment was when my girlfriend rang me up for my birthday on 6th
September 1999. (Laughs)
E-Pao: What
is your view on the prevailing environmental concerns in Manipur ?
Gajananda: It�s really horrible. As you know, prevention of environmental
degradation is a burning issue these days. It is my view that the awareness of this
challenge is astronomically very low here. Unluckily Manipur is too late to respond. I
can�t acknowledge any plans and projects to combat it here.
E-Pao: Well, that's something we have to endure! How do you think your expertise
and experience can be used for Manipur ��
Gajananda: Good idea, but I don�t expect any initiative especially from the
government. That is why I�m compelled to drain my brain somewhere else. I can assure
you that the govt. is overseeing the matter as nothing serious. So we have to be ready to
meet the dire consequences.
E-Pao: Finally,
a word of message to the aspiring students of Manipur ?
Gajananda: If they are striving for success, they should have an � effort�
and importantly a fearless vision & drive towards achieving what they started out to
get. I practically believe that these are the two wills or ways to success.
E-Pao: A big thanks for spending
your valuable time with us. We hope that you will be equally successful in your
coming ventures. Nevertheless, E-Pao wish you the very best of luck & success in all
your future endeavours.
Gajananda: It is my pleasure. Thanks for your encouragement.
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