Bhubaneswar, 14 October (H.S.): The Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA) will organise a two-day National Workshop on Lightning Safety in Bhubaneswar on October 15 and 16 to strengthen forecasting, early warning systems and preventive measures aimed at reducing lightning-related deaths and damage.

The workshop will be held at Hotel Lemon Tree Premier, with Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari scheduled to inaugurate the event. Experts from leading scientific and technical institutions, universities, disaster management agencies and research organisations across the country will participate in the deliberations.

The primary objective is to translate scientific research and technological advances into practical safety measures, particularly for farmers, agricultural labourers, outdoor workers, students and people living in lightning-prone areas.

The first day of the workshop will focus on strengthening lightning detection, monitoring and forecasting through satellite data integration, numerical weather prediction and emerging applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Discussions will also examine the development of panchayat-level decision-support systems to improve preparedness and enable timely local action.

Experts from institutions including the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) and Indian Institute of Technology Bhubaneswar will share their research and experience.

Representatives from Fakir Mohan University, National Institute of Technology Patna, Council on Energy, Environment and Water, Central University of Jharkhand, CSIR National Institute of Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Tripura University, Berhampur University, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan University, Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) and Cape Electric will also participate.

The sessions will explore ways to improve forecasting accuracy, extend warning lead times and ensure that scientific information supports effective decision-making at the local level.

The second day will focus on practical strategies to prevent lightning-related deaths and injuries. Key areas of discussion will include an Odisha-specific lightning risk mitigation roadmap, identification of high-risk locations, risk-mapping methodologies, farmer-focused risk assessment, lightning protection standards, low-cost lightning shelters and emergency management for lightning-strike victims.

A dedicated working session will examine how scientific forecasts and warnings can be converted into timely, accessible and actionable safety messages for vulnerable communities.

Participants will discuss the use of SMS alerts, mobile applications, Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS), sirens, public announcements and community networks to strengthen the last-mile dissemination of warnings.

The discussions will particularly focus on ensuring that farmers, schoolchildren, outdoor workers and residents of vulnerable areas receive warnings in time to take appropriate precautions.

A major outcome of the workshop is expected to be the development of a draft Lightning Safety Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) and a proposed action plan for 2027.

The deliberations will seek to establish clear warning levels, define the responsibilities of departments and administrative authorities at different levels, outline emergency response procedures and identify measurable indicators to monitor implementation.

The proposed framework will also address coordination among scientific institutions, government departments, district administrations and local communities to ensure a more effective response to lightning hazards.

The key expected outcome is the 'Lightning-Safe Odisha: 2027 Action Plan and 2027–2030 Roadmap', which will provide a framework for coordinated action on forecasting, vulnerability reduction, public awareness, warning dissemination and emergency response.

Through the national workshop, Odisha aims to bridge the gap between scientific research, government planning and community-level implementation to prevent avoidable loss of life.

Lightning remains a significant natural hazard, particularly for people engaged in agriculture and other outdoor activities. Strengthening early warning systems, improving public awareness and ensuring access to timely safety information are considered essential to reducing the risks.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda