Disaster Management in Coastal Areas

It is a well known fact the the livelihood and the ecological security of Indian Coastal Zones is under a serious threat due to frequent natural disasters and increasing rate of environmental degradation occurring because of high density of population, growing urbanization and industrial development, Even the problem is further deepening due to continuous increase in the sea level. Specially the eastern coast is found to be more vulnerable to hazards such as cyclone, floods & tsunami, this eastern coast is categorised as moderate to high risk zone. These natural disasters lead to loss of life, property, services, social and economic disturbances along with environmental damage.

Role of the Vegetation

However, a recent study shows that the presence of coastal tree vegetation such as mangrove & non-mangrove forest and sand dunes in some parts of the region resulted in lesser damage to property, life & environment as compared to other region. These vegetations and sand dunes are termed as " Coastal Bioshields". Thus, looking into the significance role of these bioshields, the Natural Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) recommended raising more bioshields in the area as an important measure in natural disaster management. Because these vegetations shield the coastline from the damage by reducing the amplitude and energy of the wave. Also the sand dunes act as a barrier against cyclone & tsunami and have a very significant role in water conservation in these areas where water scarcity is a common problem during the summer season.

Challenges regarding the Bioshield Management

According to a study by the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation. Some areas of concern were found as the hurdle in effective implementation of the bioshield management which can be summerised as follows: a) Lack of ownership of bioshield by the forest development: Since now the bioshield is being raised in both forest and non-forest area, therefore the area which falls out of the jurisdiction of forest department i.e. non-forest area need special attention to maintain a long-term sustainability of such plantation. b) Participation of local communities & elected local government: Local communities and Panchayati Raj institution have a constitutional mandate of disaster management at village level. Therefore, their active participation is highly desirable and important in the planning, implementation and monitoring of bioshield Programme. c) Use of multispecies & native bioshield: Till now almost all the bioshield which are being raised, consist of non-native monospecies which do not solve the issue of linking the local livelihood & natural ecological conditions. Thus multispecies & native bioshield should be raised to solve the problem.

Conclusion
In the process of developing sustainable & effective coastal bioshield, active participation of the local community & local self government is required. And this sustainability can only be attained if the ecological security and livelihood security of the area in given utmost priority. The need of the hour is to

develop Integrated Mangrove & Non-mangrove bioshields, which are ecologically compatible with the region.

Importance from the examination point of view:

i) Mains - 1996-1999 : What are mangroves? Where are they found in India. Their importance. ii) 2011 - Prelims iii) Disaster Management & method of control in coastal areas. iv) Role of Mangroves & Sand Dunes & preventing Cyclone & Tsunamis.

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