Bhubaneswar, Mar 27: Over the past five years, Odisha has witnessed a staggering loss of 1,418 lives due to lightning strikes, with districts like Mayurbhanj and Balasore bearing the brunt of these tragic incidents.

This alarming data was revealed in the Odisha Legislative Assembly through a written response by the Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari to BJP MLA Tankadhar Tripathy's inquiry.

The data provided by Pujari says that the year 2020-21 alone saw 339 deaths, with Mayurbhanj reporting the highest casualties at 39. Similarly, 2021-22 recorded 296 deaths, with Keonjhar topping the list at 26.

For 2022-23, fatalities reached 306, with Mayurbhanj again recording the highest at 35. The subsequent years, 2023-24 and 2024-25, reported 272 and 205 deaths, respectively.

In these years, Balasore and Mayurbhanj continued to record significant casualties, highlighting their vulnerability to lightning strikes.

Experts attribute this spike to Odisha's geographical positioning and climate conditions, making it prone to thunderstorms, especially during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons.

The state government has intensified efforts to mitigate these fatalities by launching awareness campaigns and promoting the use of lightning alert apps. Additionally, farmers and outdoor workers are being sensitized about safety measures during thunderstorms.

Palm Trees: Odisha's Green Shield Against Lightning Disasters

The Odisha government has initiated a unique plan to combat lightning fatalities by planting approximately 1.9 million palm trees across the state. This decision stems from the belief that palm trees, due to their height and moisture content, can act as natural conductors, absorbing lightning and reducing its impact on the ground.

The initiative also includes restrictions on cutting existing palm trees, with strict penalties for violations. The government has allocated Rs 7 crore for this project, aiming to plant palm trees near forest block boundaries and other vulnerable areas. This move is part of broader disaster mitigation efforts, including public awareness campaigns and early warning systems.

While the plan has been praised for its proactive approach, experts have raised concerns about its effectiveness. Palm trees take 15-20 years to grow to a height where they can effectively mitigate lightning strikes. Despite skepticism, the government remains committed to this strategy as part of its long-term vision to reduce lightning-related casualties.

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