Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction:

• Briefly introduce the Bay of Bengal region and its vulnerability to natural disasters (cyclones, tsunamis, floods, etc.).
• Mention the littoral states of the Bay of Bengal: India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and Thailand.
• State the importance of disaster preparedness in the region and the progress made by these states.

2. Progress Made in Disaster Preparedness:

• Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Collaboration:
  • Highlight India’s “five-fold framework for maritime engagement,” emphasizing regional collaboration in disaster relief efforts.
  • Example: India has been a key contributor in enhancing HADR capabilities in the Bay of Bengal.
• Enhanced Disaster Preparedness:
  • Discuss the steps taken by the littoral states to boost disaster preparedness, such as the establishment of Early Warning Systems (EWS) and coastal defences.
  • Example: The BIMSTEC Centre on Weather and Climate (BCWC) was established to improve regional disaster preparedness and response.
• Improved Coordination:
  • Mention efforts to enhance coordination among the littoral states.
  • Example: India has hosted two disaster management exercises under BIMSTEC to improve regional cooperation in disaster management.

3. Constraints Limiting Effectiveness:

• Lack of a Regional Security Agenda:
  • Discuss the absence of a cohesive regional framework for dealing with shared vulnerabilities.
  • Highlight the failure to recognize natural disaster management as part of regional security.
• Fragmented Approaches to Disaster Preparedness:
  • Explain how individual countries have made progress, but lack of integration at the regional level hampers overall effectiveness.
  • Example: BIMSTEC faces financial constraints and lacks operational capacity to fully address regional disaster risks.
• Poor Infrastructure:
  • Discuss how inadequate infrastructure (e.g., fragile housing, lack of resilience) in the region exacerbates the impact of natural disasters.
  • Example: High population density and vulnerable housing increase casualties during disasters.
• Limited Inter-State Knowledge Sharing:
  • Highlight the insufficient exchange of best practices and lessons learned across countries.
  • Example: Bangladesh’s “Cyclone Preparedness Programme” and Thailand’s tsunami early warning system are not systematically adopted by other countries.
• Environmental and Climate Challenges:
  • Discuss environmental degradation (e.g., loss of mangroves, coastal erosion) and its effect on natural disaster mitigation.
  • Example: The depletion of natural buffers makes the region more vulnerable to disasters.

4. Way Forward:

• Suggest steps to enhance regional disaster preparedness:
  • Formation of a regional disaster management authority to integrate efforts and ensure better coordination.
  • Development of shared infrastructure to withstand disasters and exchange of best practices across states.
  • Address climate challenges and invest in environmental restoration (e.g., mangrove restoration).
  • Strengthen financial resources for BIMSTEC and other regional initiatives to improve operational capacity.

5. Conclusion:

• Sum up the progress made and the challenges faced by the Bay of Bengal littoral states in disaster preparedness.
• Reinforce the need for continued regional cooperation and integrated approaches to effectively tackle the increasing frequency and intensity of natural disasters.

Relevant Facts to Support the Answer:

1. India’s Five-Fold Framework:
   • India’s role in maritime engagement, supporting regional disaster management efforts, and HADR initiatives.
2. BIMSTEC Centre on Weather and Climate (BCWC):
   • Establishment of BCWC to improve disaster preparedness and response among Bay of Bengal littoral states.
3. Disaster Management Exercises:
   • India hosting two disaster management exercises under BIMSTEC to improve coordination between member countries.
4. Fragmentation and Financial Constraints in BIMSTEC:
   • Financial limitations and fragmented approaches in BIMSTEC affecting its ability to effectively manage regional disaster risks.
5. Infrastructure Issues:
   • Vulnerable infrastructure, high population density, and fragile housing leading to increased casualties during natural disasters in the Bay of Bengal region.
6. Cyclone Preparedness Programme (Bangladesh):
   • Bangladesh’s well-known programme to prepare for cyclones and its regional success, though not widely adopted in other countries.
7. Tsunami Early Warning Systems (Thailand):
   • Thailand’s effective last-mile tsunami warning system that has not been fully implemented across other countries in the region.
8. Environmental Degradation:
   • Loss of mangroves and coastal erosion in the Bay of Bengal, which reduces the natural protection against disasters, highlighting the need for environmental restoration.