Bhubaneswar: Odisha has recorded the highest number of lightning-related fatalities in India over the past five years, according to Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari. Addressing the Odisha Assembly on Thursday, Minister Pujari revealed that the state experienced a staggering total of 1,625 lightning deaths during this period.
In response to this alarming statistic, the state government has initiated several measures aimed at reducing the risk and impact of lightning strikes. Among the steps being implemented are the planting of palm trees, which serve as natural lightning conductors, and the development of mobile applications designed to provide timely alerts about potential lightning events.
Despite these efforts, Minister Pujari admitted that accurately predicting lightning strikes continues to pose a significant challenge. In a bid to address this, the government has allocated Rs 7 crore to the Forest Department specifically for the widespread plantation of palm trees. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to enhance safety and protect lives in areas prone to frequent lightning activity.
The districts of Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Balasore are identified as the most affected regions in the state, with the highest number of lightning-related deaths reported from these areas. The government’s proactive measures are aimed at curbing this troubling trend and ensuring greater safety for residents in these vulnerable zones.