Dakshin Gangotri, Indian research station in Antarctica.
Dakshin Gangotri was an Indian research station in Antarctica consisting of two double-storey blocks connected by a corridor, housing laboratories, living quarters, and storage facilities for polar expeditions. The facility operated entirely on solar power and included specialized laboratories for studying oceanography, geology, and atmospheric conditions.
The station was established in 1983 during India's third Antarctic expedition and ceased operations in 1990 when ice accumulation made it untenable. Its decommissioning marked the conclusion of direct research activities at the location.
The station's name draws from Indian heritage, with 'Dakshin' meaning south in Sanskrit and referencing the Gangotri glacier in the Himalayas.
The location is only accessible during Antarctic summer months and requires special permits and equipment for any visit. As a former research site, visitors should expect extremely cold conditions and minimal facilities.
After decommissioning, the site was repurposed as a supply depot to support ongoing Antarctic research missions. This transformation shows how abandoned facilities in polar regions can serve new purposes.
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