Himadri Station, Research station in Ny-Ålesund, Norway
Himadri Station is India's research facility in Ny-Ålesund, located in northern Norway about 1,200 kilometers from the North Pole. The two-story building spans 220 square meters and houses laboratories for glaciology, atmospheric sciences, and biological research alongside sleeping quarters for up to eight scientists.
India established the station in 1987 during its second Arctic expedition and officially inaugurated it on July 1, 2008, as the country's first permanent research base in the Arctic. This opening marked the beginning of India's long-term involvement in Arctic environmental and climate research.
Indian scientists work alongside international researchers, bringing their own research methods and perspectives to Arctic studies. This collaboration creates a unique bridge between Indian and Arctic scientific communities.
Access to the station is limited to summer months when extreme cold and harsh weather still require careful planning and appropriate gear. Visitors should be prepared for long periods of darkness in winter and intense daylight during summer months.
Staff members receive training in firearm use to protect themselves from polar bears while conducting fieldwork in the surrounding areas. This safety measure is essential for anyone working in this remote Arctic region.
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