Day 39 Mains Questions – Ace Answer Writing Program

Question 1: Evaluate India’s tsunami early warning system and preparedness measures. Suggest improvements to enhance coastal community resilience. (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

India’s Tsunami Early Warning System (ITEWS), established after the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, is a state-of-the-art system managed by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). It aims to provide timely warnings to minimize loss of life and property along India’s vast coastline.

Body

Evaluation of India’s Tsunami Early Warning System –

1. Technological Advancement: Equipped with real-time data from seismic stations and tide gauges (example: Deep-ocean Assessment and Reporting of Tsunamis – DART buoys).
2. Accurate Detection: Effective in detecting undersea earthquakes and potential tsunamis (example: alerts issued during the 2012 Indian Ocean earthquake).
3. Timely Alerts: INCOIS disseminates warnings via SMS, email, and electronic media (example: quick dissemination during 2018 Sunda Strait Tsunami).
4. Community Awareness: Regular drills and awareness programs conducted (example: mock drills in coastal districts of Tamil Nadu).
5. Inter-Agency Coordination: Collaboration with NDMA and SDMAs for effective response (example: coordination during Cyclone Phailin, 2013).

Suggested Improvements for Coastal Community Resilience –

1. Localized Warning Systems: Install more coastal sirens and community radios (example: village-level alert systems in Odisha).
2. Infrastructure Development: Strengthen coastal embankments and create safe zones (example: cyclone shelters in Andhra Pradesh).
3. Enhanced Education Programs: Conduct targeted training on tsunami preparedness (example: school-based programs in Kerala).
4. Disaster-Resilient Livelihoods: Promote alternative income sources to reduce dependency on fishing (example: eco-tourism initiatives in Andaman and Nicobar Islands).
5. Integration of Technology: Use AI and machine learning for better prediction models (example: predictive analytics in weather forecasting).

Conclusion

While India’s Tsunami Early Warning System is robust, continuous improvements in community-based approaches and technological integration are crucial. Enhancing resilience through education, infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods will further reduce vulnerability to tsunamis.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. NDMA Guidelines, 2007: Framework for tsunami preparedness.
2. INCOIS Initiatives: Regular updates on tsunami-prone zones.
3. Sendai Framework: Aligning disaster risk reduction strategies with global standards.

Question 2: Describe the major types of earthquakes and their occurrence in different seismic zones of India. How does this influence disaster management strategies? (10 Marks, 150 words)

Introduction

Earthquakes are sudden tremors in the Earth’s crust caused by the release of energy from tectonic activities. India, situated on the Indian Plate, experiences various types of earthquakes, categorized into different seismic zones.

Body

Major Types of Earthquakes and Seismic Zones in India –

1. Tectonic Earthquakes: Result from tectonic plate movements; common in Seismic Zones IV and V (example: 2001 Bhuj earthquake, Zone V).
2. Volcanic Earthquakes: Associated with volcanic activity; rare in India but potential in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (example: Barren Island, Zone V).
3. Collapse Earthquakes: Triggered by subsurface cave-ins; likely in mining regions (example: coal mine collapses in Jharkhand, Zone IV).
4. Induced Earthquakes: Due to human activities like reservoir-induced seismicity (example: Koyna Dam, Zone IV).
5. Reservoir-Induced Seismicity: Earthquakes induced by large reservoirs (example: Koyna Dam earthquake, Zone IV).

Impact on Disaster Management Strategies –

1. Zonal Building Codes: Implementation of earthquake-resistant designs in Zones IV and V (example: IS 1893:2002 guidelines for building safety).
2. Preparedness Plans: Tailored disaster management plans for high-risk areas (example: Delhi Earthquake Disaster Mitigation Plan, Zone IV).
3. Early Warning Systems: Installation of seismic sensors in vulnerable regions (example: Uttarakhand Earthquake Warning System, Zone V).
4. Public Awareness Programs: Focus on earthquake drills and awareness in schools (example: Shakeout drills in Northeast India, Zone V).
5. Retrofit and Strengthen Infrastructure: Strengthening older buildings in high seismic zones (example: retrofitting of structures in Guwahati, Zone V).

Conclusion

he occurrence of different types of earthquakes across India’s seismic zones necessitates region-specific disaster management strategies, focusing on preparedness, infrastructure resilience, and public awareness to mitigate potential risks effectively.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition –

1. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Formulation of building codes.
2. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Earthquake risk mitigation guidelines.
3. Seismic Microzonation: Project undertaken in cities like Delhi and Kolkata.

Question 3: Analyse the increasing frequency of heatwaves in India in recent years. Critically examine the effectiveness of NDMA guidelines in mitigating their impact. (15 Marks, 250 words)

Introduction

Heatwaves are prolonged periods of excessively high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity. India has witnessed a significant increase in the frequency and intensity of heatwaves in recent years due to climate change, urbanization, and deforestation.

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Increasing Frequency of Heatwaves in India –

1. Climate Change: Rising global temperatures have led to more frequent and intense heatwaves (example: 2022 saw record-breaking temperatures across North India).
2. Urban Heat Islands: Rapid urbanization has intensified heatwaves in cities due to reduced green cover and increased concrete surfaces (example: Delhi experiences higher heatwave intensity).
3. Delayed Monsoon Onset: Erratic monsoon patterns have extended the summer heat, leading to prolonged heatwaves (example: Delay in monsoon onset in Rajasthan, 2019).
4. Inadequate Green Cover: Deforestation and loss of vegetation have exacerbated heatwave conditions (example: Desertification in parts of Gujarat and Rajasthan).
5. Agricultural Practices: Practices like stubble burning contribute to local warming, aggravating heatwave conditions (example: Punjab and Haryana during the pre-monsoon season).

Critique of NDMA Guidelines –

1. Heat Action Plans: NDMA’s guidelines emphasize state-level Heat Action Plans, but their implementation remains inconsistent (example: Effective in Ahmedabad, less so in rural areas).
2. Early Warning Systems: Although NDMA promotes early warning systems, their reach and effectiveness in rural areas are limited (example: Limited awareness in Odisha despite warnings).
3. Public Awareness Campaigns: NDMA encourages public awareness, but these campaigns often fail to reach vulnerable populations (example: Marginalized communities in UP and Bihar).
4. Infrastructure Preparedness: The guidelines suggest heat shelters and cooling centers, but these are inadequately distributed and underfunded (example: Lack of cooling centers in Tier-2 cities).
5. Health Sector Readiness: NDMA emphasizes healthcare readiness, but the health sector is often overwhelmed during heatwaves (example: Overburdened hospitals in Nagpur during 2021 heatwave).

Conclusion

While the NDMA guidelines provide a framework for mitigating the impact of heatwaves, their uneven implementation and lack of resources hinder their effectiveness. Strengthening early warning systems, enhancing infrastructure, and ensuring the inclusion of vulnerable populations in Heat Action Plans are crucial to improving resilience against heatwaves.

Additional Data, Committees, Examples for Value Addition:

1. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC): Reports highlighting rising global temperatures.
2. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): Heatwave guidelines and Heat Action Plans.
3. Urban Climate Resilience Framework: Suggested by NITI Aayog for mitigating urban heat islands.