Nhrc Seeks Report On Action Taken Against Lightning Deaths | Bhubaneswar News
Bhubaneswar: National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to Odisha chief secretary seeking an action taken report on frequent deaths and injuries due to lightning and thunderstorms. As many as 1,625 people have died in lightning strikes in the state in the last five years, according to govt data.
The commission sought the report on Monday after hearing a petition filed by human rights activist and lawyer Radhakanta Tripathy.He alleged that state govt has not prepared any action plan to minimise lightning-related deaths. NHRC took cognisance of the matter and asked the state govt to submit the report within six weeks.
Citing data from Climate Resilient Observing-Systems Promotion Council, a non-profit organisation, Tripathy claimed Odisha recorded 10,741 deaths due to lightning in the last five years. However, revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari told the assembly that Odisha recorded 1,625 deaths due to lightning between 2019-20 and 2023-24, he added.
The petitioner said there are gaps in the reports. This needs to be seriously taken into consideration by the authorities while filing the report, he said.
He said only 7 out of 36 states and Union Territories have developed action plans. In 2019, National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) had suggested the states to prepare lightning action plans as per the guidelines on the prevention and management of thunderstorms and lightning/squall, dust/hailstorm and strong winds, he added.
He urged the NHRC to direct the state govt for preparation and implementation of a lightning action plan and adequate compensation to the family members of those killed by lightning strike without delay.
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The National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to Odisha’s chief secretary, requesting an action taken report on frequent lightning-related deaths and injuries. Activist Radhakanta Tripathy criticized the state’s lack of an action plan. The state government is urged to implement preventive measures and compensate affected families, as 1,625 people have died from lightning in the past five years.
Odisha has reported 1,625 lightning deaths over the past five years, making it the highest in India. The state sees more than six lakh lightning strikes annually, with Mayurbhanj being the most affected district. Government efforts include raising awareness and planting palm trees to reduce fatalities.
Seven individuals died and three were injured in Chhattisgarh’s Balodabazar-Bhatapara district after being struck by lightning while working in Mohtara village. The victims had sought shelter under a tree during an afternoon rainstorm. Authorities are investigating the incident and offering support to the victims’ families during this difficult time.
