Syllabus: Challenges to internal security
Context
- Rapid advances in new-age biotechnologies enable deeper understanding and manipulation of biology.
- These advances increase risks of intentional misuse of biological agents against humans.
- Upgrading biosecurity is essential to address evolving technological and security threats.
What is Biosecurity?
- Biosecurity comprises practices and systems preventing intentional misuse of biological agents, toxins, or technologies.
- Covers laboratory safety, pathogen containment, outbreak detection, and response mechanisms.
- Extends to human, animal, and agricultural health protection.
- Differs from biosafety, which prevents accidental release of pathogens.
- Strong biosafety protocols act as a foundation for effective biosecurity.
Biological Weapons Convention (BWC)
- Established in 1975 following instances of biological weapons development.
- First global treaty prohibiting development, production, use, and stockpiling of biological weapons.
- Obligates signatories to destroy existing biological weapon stockpiles.
- India is a signatory, reflecting commitment to global biosecurity norms.
Why India Needs Stronger Biosecurity
- India’s geography and ecology increase vulnerability to transboundary bio-risks.
- Large population and dependence on agriculture magnify potential damage.
- Alleged preparation of Ricin toxin for terror use highlights non-state actor threats.
- Spread of biotechnology enhances access to tools for malicious experimentation.
- Absence of past attacks does not eliminate future risks.
Existing Institutional and Legal Framework
- Department of Biotechnology oversees research governance and laboratory safety.
- National Centre for Disease Control manages outbreak surveillance and response.
- Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying monitors livestock biosecurity.
- Plant Quarantine Organisation of India regulates agricultural bio-risks.
- Key laws include:
- Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
- WMD Act, 2005
- Biosafety Rules (1989) and 2017 Recombinant DNA guidelines exist.
- NDMA has guidelines for biological disaster management.
- India participates in BWC and Australia Group.
Gaps and Future Risks
- Lack of a unified national biosecurity framework coordinating multiple agencies.
- India ranked 66th in Global Health Security Index.
- Detection capacity improved, but response capability declined.
- Inadequate coordination risks large-scale public health emergencies.
Way Forward
- Develop a coordinated national biosecurity framework.
- Identify infrastructure gaps and strengthen inter-agency preparedness.