The document discusses disaster management in Indian coastal areas. It notes that the eastern coast is particularly vulnerable to cyclones, floods, and tsunamis due to factors like population growth, urbanization, and rising sea levels. However, coastal vegetation like mangroves and non-mangrove forests as well as sand dunes have been shown to reduce damage from such disasters by shielding the coastline. As a result, the Natural Disaster Management Authority recommends expanding these "coastal bioshields." However, a study found challenges to effective bioshield management include a lack of ownership for non-forest areas, the need for greater community participation, and use of more native multi-species vegetation suited to local

1. 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.

2. 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

3. 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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