Bhubaneswar: Odisha reported the highest number of lightning deaths in the country during the last five years, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari told the Odisha Assembly in reply to a question on Thursday. The minister said that the state witnessed a total of 1,625 lightning deaths during this period.
Minister Pujari highlighted that the state government is taking measures to mitigate loss of live due to lightning incidents. The government’s efforts include the planting of palm trees, which act as natural lightning conductors, and the use of mobile apps to alert the public about potential lightning strikes.
At the same time, the minister acknowledged that despite these efforts, predicting lightning strikes remains a challenge.
The government has allocated Rs 7 crore to the Forest Department for the plantation of palm trees across the state with a view to reduce the number of lightning-related deaths. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance safety and protect the lives of residents in lightning-prone areas. Odisha’s Sundargarh, Keonjhar and Balasore have the highest number of lightning-related deaths.
