Bhubaneswar, Sept 5: Odisha recorded the highest number of lightning-related deaths in the country over the past five years, with a total of 1,103 fatalities, Revenue Minister Suresh Pujari informed the Odisha Assembly on Thursday. Responding to a query, the minister emphasized that the state government is implementing measures to reduce the loss of life from lightning strikes.

Minister Pujari detailed the government’s initiatives, including the planting of palm trees, which serve as natural lightning conductors, and the use of mobile apps to warn the public about potential lightning strikes. Despite these efforts, he acknowledged that accurately predicting lightning strikes remains a significant challenge.

The government has allocated Rs 7 crore to the Forest Department for the widespread plantation of palm trees, aiming to reduce lightning-related fatalities. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance safety in lightning-prone areas. Sundargarh, Keonjhar, and Balasore districts have reported the highest number of lightning deaths in the state.

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