The 2nd Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Disaster Management Exercise took place in Bhubaneswar, Odisha from February 11-13, 2020. The focus was primarily on the protection of heritage structures. Following the first edition in 2017, which was also hosted by India, this exercise tested the region’s preparedness and resilience towards effectively activating inter-Governmental interaction for immediate disaster response.
Key Points and Intentions Behind the Exercise
The exercise aimed to provide a platform for member states to measure existing capabilities and to share best practices in emergency response. This helped improve emergency preparedness and strengthened regional response mechanisms. The primary objective focused on conducting risk assessment involving cultural heritage sites during disasters and testing multi-stakeholder coordination in a disaster scenario.
Participants and Their Contributions
Participants in the exercise included BIMSTEC members excluding Bhutan and Thailand. Other global institutions like United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG), and International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration Cultural Property (ICCROM) also participated. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) played a key role in strengthening its capacity as the first responder at heritage sites that are vulnerable to disasters across India.
Focus on Heritage Sites: The Need and Implication
The need for protecting Heritage Sites during disasters has been realized after suffering losses in the Nepal earthquake in 2015 and damages to Heritage Sites during the Gujarat earthquake in 2001. Additional emphasis is given to building the capacity of NDRF personnel to respond effectively and protect these sites. According to the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH), there could be approximately 11 lakh sites in towns and villages with heritage value needing protection.
About ICCROM
The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration Cultural Property (ICCROM) was created as a result of a proposal at the UNESCO General Conference, held in New Delhi in 1956. Established in Rome in 1959, it promotes the conservation of all forms of cultural heritage and operates in the spirit of the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity (2001).
About INSARAG
The International Search and Rescue Advisory Group (INSARAG) was established in 1991. It is a global network of over 90 countries and organisations under the United Nations. INSARAG addresses Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) related issues and aims to establish minimum international standards for coordination in earthquake response.
India and Its Role in Disaster Management
India has displayed leadership in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) by hosting events like the South Asian Annual Disaster Management Exercise (SAADMEx) and the Asian Ministerial Conference for Disaster Risk Reduction (AMCDRR). Recently, the Union Cabinet approved the establishment of an International Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) in New Delhi. Moreover, India has offered its expertise such as the South Asia satellite, GSAT-9, and the Tsunami Early Warning Centre to other nations. At the Goa BRICS Summit in October 2016, Disaster Management featured as an important agenda item which BIMSTEC leaders deliberated upon.
Last Modified: February 7, 2024