INCOIS to expand tsunami-ready programme to Andaman & Nicobar Islands
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Context
The (INCOIS), under the , is expanding the (TRRP) to the Andaman & Nicobar Islands. After successfully assisting 26 villages in Odisha, INCOIS aims to build community resilience in this highly vulnerable region by establishing early warning systems, creating hazard maps, and enhancing institutional capacity for disaster response.
UPSC Perspectives
Geographical
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands are located near the Sumatra-Andaman subduction zone, a major fault line where the Indo-Australian plate is subducting (diving under) the Eurasian plate. This geological reality makes the region highly susceptible to massive tectonic earthquakes, which are the primary trigger for tsunamis. In the context of UPSC Geography, understanding this plate tectonic setting is crucial, as an earthquake here would make these islands the very first point of impact for a resulting tsunami, leaving minimal response time. The is addressing this by aiming to reduce the warning dissemination time for India's east coast to under five minutes. Furthermore, the initiative's focus on laying a 150-km underwater cable with sensors at depths of 2,000-2,500 feet highlights the importance of deep-ocean seismic monitoring in understanding ocean floor dynamics and providing accurate early warnings.
Governance
The is a classic example of decentralized disaster management and community-led resilience, moving away from a purely top-down approach. Disaster management in India, guided by the , emphasizes mitigation and preparedness as much as response and recovery. The TRRP's framework utilizes 12 indicators that combine scientific data (like hazard maps created using Geographic Information System or GIS tools) with active community participation. By involving the Directorate of Disaster Management, A&N Islands, and local communities, is building institutional capacity at the grassroots level. This aligns perfectly with the UPSC syllabus focus on the role of local governance and community participation in effective disaster risk reduction, demonstrating how scientific institutions bridge the gap between complex early warning data and actionable community responses.
Science & Technology
The expansion of the TRRP underscores the critical role of technology in disaster mitigation. has deployed a network of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) sensors equipped with sirens to monitor ocean-floor earthquakes and issue immediate warnings. These sensors are vital for detecting the precise location and magnitude of seismic events in real-time. Furthermore, the use of satellite communication networks ensures that warnings can be disseminated even if terrestrial infrastructure is damaged. The application of GIS tools by resource persons to create inundation and evacuation maps is a practical demonstration of geospatial technology in public safety. For the UPSC exam, understanding how scientific bodies like leverage these technologies—from deep-sea sensors to satellite communication—is essential for answering questions on the application of science and technology in disaster management and national security.