Bhubaneswar: Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) and Fakir Mohan University jointly organised a brainstorming session on Saturday to address lightning hazards. The discussion focused on advanced monitoring, forecasting, protection, and community awareness to mitigate risks and safeguard vulnerable communities.
Senior officials and experts deliberated on identifying high-risk areas, implementing early warning systems, and adopting preventive measures to minimise casualties. “We must take this issue seriously and implement effective solutions. I am confident that with proper prediction, warning systems, and community participation, we will be able to reduce the dangers caused by lightning,” said revenue and disaster management minister Suresh Pujari.
As part of preventive measures, officials highlighted the need for awareness programmes in schools and colleges, security training for govt officials, gram panchayat representatives (GPRs), villagers, and students, and the establishment of lightning shelters in high-risk zones.
IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said, “Odisha is a leader in disaster management and minimalisation of casualties due to cyclones and floods, but lightning is an issue. The impact of lightning is greater in northern Odisha, and hazard mapping is important.”
Recognising the need to protect both human and animal lives, experts from OSDMA and IMD underscored the role of scientific advancements in forecasting and real-time alerts to enable timely interventions.
Fakir Mohan University Vice-Chancellor Santosh Tripathy stated, “The university has submitted a standard operating procedure (SOP) to the government, suggesting various protective measures. We are integrating technology with community awareness to establish a robust safety network.” The SOP also proposes infrastructure protection through standardised safety measures and recommends lightning protection systems in buildings to mitigate risks.