Why in the news?

In July, the Odisha government approved a proposal to plant 1.9 million palm trees to mitigate deaths caused by lightning strikes, which were declared a state-specific disaster in 2015.

How many people have lost their lives to lightning in Odisha?   

• Over the last 11 years, a total of 3,790 people have lost their lives due to lightning strikes in Odisha.
• In the previous three fiscal years, 791 fatalities were reported, indicating an increasing frequency of lightning strikes.
• On September 2, 2023, Odisha recorded 61,000 lightning strikes in a two-hour period, resulting in the deaths of at least 12 people.

Why are Lightning strikes of particular concern in Odisha?

• Odisha is located in a tropical zone and experiences a hot, dry climate that creates ideal conditions for lightning strikes.
• The state has the highest number of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes in eastern and central India. The Annual Lightning Report 2023-2024 indicates a significant concentration of lightning activity in this region.
• Research indicates that climate change exacerbates lightning activity, with a 10% increase in lightning occurrences for every degree Celsius of warming. This is particularly relevant in Odisha, where climatic factors contribute to frequent lightning events.
• With 96% of lightning strikes occurring in rural areas, the most affected populations include farmers and daily wage earners who work outdoors, making them particularly vulnerable during peak agricultural seasons.

How can Odisha defend Itself against lightning strikes?

• Planting Palm Trees: The Odisha government has approved a proposal to plant 19 lakh palm trees as a natural defense against lightning strikes. Palm trees are considered effective conductors of lightning due to their height and moisture content, which can absorb lightning and mitigate its impact on the ground.
• Financial Commitment: The state has allocated Rs 7 crore for the palm tree plantation initiative and has banned the felling of existing palm trees to enhance this strategy.
• Public Awareness and Early Warning Systems: While the state has implemented early warning systems to forecast lightning strikes, experts emphasize the need for widespread public education on safety measures during lightning events.
• Concerns: Experts have raised concerns about the effectiveness of palm trees as a long-term solution, noting that it takes 15 to 20 years for them to reach a height where they can effectively mitigate lightning strikes.

Way forward: 

• Installation of Lightning Rods and Conductors: The government should invest in the widespread installation of lightning rods and conductors in rural and vulnerable areas. These devices can provide immediate protection to critical infrastructure, homes, and open fields where farmers and workers are most at risk.
• Advanced Early Warning Systems: Need to enhance the existing early warning systems with more accurate, real-time data and ensure these warnings are disseminated quickly through multiple channels, including mobile alerts, community announcements, and local radio.

Main PYQ: 

Q Explain the mechanism and occurrence of cloudburst in the context of the Indian subcontinent. Discuss two recent examples. (2022)

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