Concerned over the ever-increasing number of lightning deaths, the Odisha Government is mulling on a number of steps to curb such fatalities in future.The State Government would sign an MoU with US-based lightning analysing system ‘Earth Network’ this week, said Special Relief Commissioner (SRC) Bishnupada Sethi on Monday.
The company would start the process of installation of lightning sensors with the available equipment at the earliest so that updates of possible lightning strikes can be known at least an hour in advance.
The crucial information can then be disseminated through various social media platforms, television so that people can be alerted if they are in the lightning strike zone or not. This can help people to move to safer places.
“There are plans to send lightning strike warning and alert through SMSs in subsequent phase as developing an application will take some time,” Sethi said.
The SRC further said lightning sensors would be installed at prominent places across the State. Efforts would also be initiated to install lightning arrestors in high rise buildings and shelter centres.
A scientific survey would be conducted for the installation of lightning sensors as well.
As per long-term strategy to minimise the loss of human lives and properties due to lightning, the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (PCCF) has already instructed forest officers for conducting palm tree plantation drives.
Official sources said as lightning usually hits the tallest object first, palm trees would work as a conductor which can reduce the number of deaths.