Context:
- India is facing escalating biosecurity threats due to advances in biotechnology, risks of bio-attacks by non-state actors, and vulnerabilities arising from its large population, agricultural dependence, and biodiversity.
- Recent global and domestic developments have renewed focus on the need to upgrade India’s biosecurity architecture to counter the intentional misuse of biological agents.
Key Highlights:
Conceptual Framework: Biosecurity vs Biosafety
- Biosecurity refers to measures aimed at preventing deliberate misuse of biological agents, toxins, and technologies.
- Biosafety focuses on preventing accidental release of pathogens from laboratories.
- Biosecurity spans human health, animal health, agriculture, and environmental protection.
Global & Legal Framework
- Biological Weapons Convention (BWC), 1975:
- Prohibits development, production, and stockpiling of biological weapons.
- Mandates destruction of existing stockpiles.
- India is a signatory.
India’s Vulnerability to Biosecurity Threats
- Geography & Ecology: High biodiversity increases zoonotic spillover risks.
- Agricultural Dependence: Threats to crops and livestock can destabilise food security.
- Large Population Density: Rapid disease spread potential.
- Technological Advancements: Easier access to biotechnological tools raises misuse risks.
- Alleged incidents involving Ricin toxin preparation highlight risks from non-state actors.
Institutional & Legal Mechanisms in India
Agencies Involved
- Department of Biotechnology (DBT)
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
Legal Framework
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- Weapons of Mass Destruction Act, 2005
- Biosafety Rules, 1989
- 2017 Guidelines on Recombinant DNA Research & Biocontainment
- NDMA guidelines on biological disaster management
Performance & Gaps
- India ranks 66th on the Global Health Security Index, indicating limited preparedness.
- Fragmented governance across multiple agencies.
- Absence of a unified national biosecurity framework.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- Issue: Rising risk of bio-attacks and biological misuse.
- Causes:
- Rapid biotech innovation
- Weak coordination among agencies
- Globalised movement of pathogens
- Government Initiatives:
- NDMA biological disaster guidelines
- DBT biosafety regulations
- Benefits of Strong Biosecurity:
- Protection of public health
- Safeguarding agriculture and livestock
- National security enhancement
- Challenges:
- Institutional fragmentation
- Inadequate surveillance and response capacity
- Impact:
- Increased vulnerability to pandemics and bio-terrorism
Relevant Mains Points:
- Key Definitions & Treaties:
- Biosecurity: Deterrence against intentional biological misuse.
- Biosafety: Prevention of accidental pathogen release.
- BWC: Global prohibition on biological weapons.
- Static + Current Linkages:
- Lessons from COVID-19 pandemic.
- Intersection of internal security and science & technology.
- Governance Perspective:
- Need for whole-of-government approach.
- Integration of health, agriculture, defence, and environment sectors.
- Way Forward:
- Establish a Unified National Biosecurity Framework.
- Strengthen genetic surveillance and early-warning systems.
- Enhance inter-agency coordination and data sharing.
- Invest in capacity-building, infrastructure, and skilled manpower.
- Align domestic laws with international best practices.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
- GS Paper 3: Science & Technology (Biotechnology), Internal Security (Bio-terrorism).
- GS Paper 2: Governance (Institutional coordination, global treaties).
- Prelims: Biosecurity, biosafety, BWC, Global Health Security Index.