Bhubaneswar, 15 October (H.S.): Odisha Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari on Thursday inaugurated a two-day national workshop on lightning safety organised by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA), bringing together scientists, researchers, technical experts and disaster management officials from across the country to develop effective strategies to reduce lightning-related deaths and damage.

The workshop, being held at Hotel Lemon Tree Premier in Bhubaneswar on October 15 and 16, will focus on strengthening lightning forecasting, improving early-warning systems and translating scientific advancements into practical safety measures. A key outcome will be the preparation of a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on lightning safety and an action plan for 2027.

Addressing the inaugural session, Pujari said lightning had emerged as a significant disaster because of its impact and the extent of damage it causes. He said OSDMA had been making sustained efforts to address the challenge and reduce lightning-related fatalities and losses.

The Minister described the national workshop as an important platform for scientists, researchers, experts and administrative officials to exchange knowledge and identify effective mitigation measures. He expressed confidence that the deliberations would further strengthen Odisha’s disaster risk-reduction capabilities.

Dr Mrutyunjay Mohapatra, Director General of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), attended the inaugural session as the guest of honour. He said the workshop would deliberate on improving lightning detection, monitoring and forecasting through the integration of satellite data, numerical weather prediction models, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML) and Panchayat-level decision-support systems.

He emphasised the need to make existing mechanisms more effective through technological advancements and stronger coordination among relevant institutions.

OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said the primary objective of the workshop was to strengthen lightning forecasting, risk assessment, dissemination of early warnings and public safety measures.

He said the two-day deliberations would focus on converting scientific knowledge and technological innovations into practical interventions to protect vulnerable communities, particularly farmers, agricultural labourers, outdoor workers, students and people living in lightning-prone areas.

Reiterating OSDMA’s commitment to public safety, Patil said effective preparedness and timely warnings were essential for reducing the impact of lightning in a disaster-prone state like Odisha.

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda