The sixteenth scientific expedition to Antarctica comprising 61 members including 39 scientists and 23 logistics personnel was launched on 12 December, 1996 from Goa. This team also includes 26 members who will winter-over in Maitri. In addition a special environment task force has been despatched to oversee the entire scientific and logistic tasks of the expedition in terms of the Principles of the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty.


The Sixteenth expedition which arrived in Antarctica on 4 January, 1997 would see a distinct impetus on the scientific experiments which would be conducted by the scientists drawn from 21 national laboratories and institutes. In addition to scientific programmes, several new experiments will be initiated. These include studies on lake sediments for understanding the paleoclimatic condition,establishing a seismic station for recording seismic activities in Antarctica, feasibility studies of wind energy at Maitri by designing a wind power turbine, studies on aerosol particles and electrical conductivity of the atmosphere, cataloguing and identification of bryophytes as a part of studies on biodiversity, and a systematic survey of the ice shelf and surrounding waters for collecting hydrographic data.

During the course of the wintering period, a part of the 'A' Block of the main station which presently is used as a storage space will be converted into a full-fledged Medical Inspection room comprising of an OT, examination room, x-ray and sterilization room, linen and medical store room. On completion, the medical facilities at Maitri will perhaps, be one of the best available in Antarctica. Further, the water supply system will be upgraded by installation of a state-of-the-art trace coil heating system in place of the existing close loop circulation system. In order to augment the quality of logistic support required for running the land convoys, two new all terrain Piston Bully - 330D vehicles with load carrying capacity of more than 20 MT along with matching trailers will be inducted.