Following a series of deaths caused by lightning strikes in Uttar Pradesh and its neighbouring states, the UP government has taken the initiative to install lightning conductors and lightning arresters on top of government buildings.
Chief Secretary DS Mishra issued a circular to all department heads, specifically those at the level of additional chief secretary and principal secretary, instructing them to install lightning conductors on multi-storey buildings and lifeline buildings within their jurisdictions.
In his letter, the chief secretary mentioned the heavy rainfall in many districts over the past several days and the Indian Meteorological Department’s high alert for extremely heavy rains in some districts in the coming days.
He emphasised that such weather conditions increase the possibility of lightning strikes.
Mishra’s letter also highlighted that lightning-related incidents were declared a state disaster in 2016. He further mentioned the number of deaths due to lightning strikes in recent years, with 280 fatalities in 2021-22, 301 in 2022-23, and 153 in the current year 2023-24.
Additionally, he suggested that along with raising public awareness about lightning strikes, installing lightning conductors on tall buildings and lifeline structures can help minimise the damage caused by lightning strikes.