India has significantly enhanced its polar and ocean research capabilities with the inauguration of two state-of-the-art facilities, "Sagar Bhavan" and "Polar Bhavan," at the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) in Goa on May 22, 2025. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated these facilities, marking a major advancement in India's scientific infrastructure.
Polar Bhavan, the larger facility spanning 11,378 square metres and built at a cost of ₹55 crore, features advanced laboratories, 55 accommodation units for scientists, conference and seminar halls, a library, and a canteen. It also houses a "Science On Sphere (SOS)" platform for 3D data visualization and will soon host India's first Polar and Ocean Museum.
Sagar Bhavan, covering 1,772 square metres and constructed at a cost of ₹13 crore, includes specialized ice core laboratories with -30°C storage and +4°C sample preservation units. It features 29 specialized rooms, including a Class 1000 clean room for trace metal and isotope studies. These facilities will support India's growing role in ocean geopolitics, climate research, and the monitoring of critical polar phenomena, contributing to national development goals and international collaborations in climate and ocean initiatives.