Section 35 - Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

35. Removal of waste from Antarctica.-

(1) The following waste produced in Antarctica by generators of such waste shall be removed from there, namely:-

(a) radioactive substances within the meaning of the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 (33 of 1962);

(b) all kinds of batteries or components thereof;

(c) fuel, both liquid and solid;

(d) waste containing harmful levels of heavy metals or acutely toxic or harmful persistent compounds;

(e) Polyvinyl chloride, polyurethane, polystyrene foam, rubber, lubricating oils, treated timbers and other products which contain additives that may produce harmful emissions, if incinerated;

(f) all other plastic waste;

(g) fuel drums other than those required for logistics purposes;

(h) other solid, non-combustible waste including but not restricted to glass and metal scraps;

(i) residues of carcasses of imported animals;

(j) laboratory culture of microorganisms and plant pathogens;

(k) introduced avian products;

(l) ash and products of incineration;

(m) unserviceable machineries and equipment including electronics; and

(n) such other waste as may be prescribed.

(2) The provisions of sub-section (1) shall not apply to waste,-

(a) if they are incinerated, autoclaved or otherwise treated to be made sterile; or

(b) if the removal of such waste shall result in greater adverse environmental impact referred to in sub-section (5) of section 27, than leaving them in their existing locations.

(3) The domestic waste and other liquid waste shall be treated before removing from Antarctica and shall be disposed of on ice-free land areas, sea ice, ice shelves or the grounded ice-sheet and shall not be discharged into the lake either directly or indirectly:

Provided that the standards for effluent discharge shall be such as may be prescribed.

(4) The provisions of sub-section (3) shall not apply to substances generated by station located on ice shelves or the grounded ice-sheet, provided that such waste are disposed of after treatment in deep ice pits which is the only practicable option and such pits are not located on known ice-flow lines which terminate at ice-free areas or in areas of high ablation.

(5) The waste under this section shall be disposed of into the sea subject to a permit issued in that regard under section 12.

(6) The waste generated at field camps shall be removed to supporting stations or vessels for disposal.