Disaster Management / National Workshop on Lightning Safety Begins in Bhubaneswar; Odisha to Draft SOP, Action Plan

Bhubaneswar, Oct 15: Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday inaugurated a two-day National Workshop on Lightning Safety in Bhubaneswar, underscoring the need for scientific collaboration, advanced forecasting technologies and coordinated action to reduce lightning-related fatalities and losses across the country.

Organised by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), the workshop is being held on October 15 and 16 at Hotel Lemon Tree Premier. It has brought together scientists, researchers, technical experts, disaster management professionals, academicians and district-level officials from across India to deliberate on strategies for improving lightning forecasting, risk assessment and public safety.

Addressing the inaugural session, Pujari described lightning as one of the most significant natural hazards due to the scale of damage it causes to lives and livelihoods. He said OSDMA has been undertaking sustained initiatives to minimise lightning-related deaths and enhance preparedness through awareness campaigns, early warning systems and technological interventions.

The Minister noted that the workshop would provide a common platform for scientists, researchers, experts and administrators to exchange ideas and identify effective measures for mitigating lightning risks. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would strengthen Odisha's disaster risk reduction framework and contribute to safer communities.

Technology-driven interventions

India Meteorological Department (IMD) Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, who attended the event as the Guest of Honour, highlighted the importance of leveraging emerging technologies to improve lightning prediction and response systems.

He said discussions during the workshop would focus on strengthening lightning detection, monitoring and forecasting through the integration of satellite observations, numerical weather prediction models, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) applications and Panchayat-level decision-support systems.

According to Mohapatra, such technological advancements can significantly enhance the effectiveness of early warning mechanisms and improve disaster preparedness at the grassroots level.

Focus on vulnerable communities

OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said the workshop aims to strengthen forecasting systems, risk assessment methodologies, dissemination of warnings and public safety measures. He added that discussions would centre on converting scientific knowledge and technological innovations into practical interventions that can protect vulnerable groups such as farmers, agricultural labourers, outdoor workers, students and residents of lightning-prone regions.

Representatives from leading institutions, including IMD, IITM, NRSC, NCESS, NCMRWF, IIT Bhubaneswar, Fakir Mohan University, NIT Patna, CEEW, Central University of Jharkhand, CSIR National Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tripura University, Brahmapur University, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, CROPC and Cape Electric, are participating in the workshop.
Also Read: Odisha to Build 2.91 Lakh More Houses Under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana

Roadmap for the future

A key outcome of the workshop will be the preparation of a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on lightning safety and the formulation of the "Lightning-Safe Odisha: Action Plan 2027 and Roadmap 2027-2030."

The proposed roadmap is expected to provide a structured framework for strengthening lightning forecasting, public awareness, risk reduction strategies, dissemination of early warnings and emergency response systems, further enhancing Odisha's resilience against lightning-related disasters.