Section 34 - Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

34. Establishment of waste classification system and waste management plans.-

(1) The Committee shall establish a waste classification system-

(a) for recording waste in Antarctica from activities by the persons authorised under this Act; and

(b) to facilitate studies on the environmental impacts of scientific activities and associated activities.

(2) For the purposes of sub-section (1), the waste shall be segregated into the following categories, namely:-

(a) sewage and domestic liquid waste;

(b) other liquid waste such as medical and chemical waste including fuels and lubricants;

(c) solids, including organic waste, to be incinerated;

(d) other solid waste;

(e) radioactive material; and

(f) any other waste as may be prescribed.

(3) The Committee shall prepare, review annually and update its waste management plans, including plans on waste reduction, storage and disposal, specifying for each station, facility, field site, field camps, vessel and aircraft-

(a) programmes for cleaning up existing waste disposal sites and abandoned worksites;

(b) current and planned waste management arrangements;

(c) current and planned arrangements for analysing the environmental effects of waste and waste management;

(d) other measures aimed at minimising the environmental effects of waste and waste management.

(4) No separate information shall be required for small boats which are part of the operations of fixed sites or of vessels.

(5) The existing management plans for vessels and aircraft shall be taken into account in preparing the waste management plans under this section.

(6) The Committee shall, as far as practicable, prepare an inventory of locations of past activities, including traverses, fuel depots, field bases, crashed aircraft or any other accidents and such other areas as may be prescribed.

(7) The waste management plans and reports on their implementation shall be included in the annual exchange of information with other Parties to the Treaty.

(8) The Committee shall appoint or designate a waste management officer for each station, facility and worksite who shall monitor the implementation of the waste reduction and disposal plans and make proposals for their continued development.