Odisha To Plant 20 Lakh Palm Trees To Combat Lightning Strikes

Odisha is taking a proactive approach to combat the dangers of lightning strikes by launching a massive tree plantation initiative. The state plans to plant 20 lakh palm trees as part of a strategy to protect its residents from lightning-related injuries and deaths.

Objective of the Plantation Drive

The state’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister, Suresh Pujari, announced this plan, emphasizing that Odisha has been severely affected by lightning strikes. The initiative, approved last month, aims to reduce lightning-related fatalities by focusing on vulnerable areas like schools.

Pujari stated, “The state forest department has started planting 20 lakh palm trees across Odisha. Our goal is to implement this state-wide, especially in areas prone to lightning strikes. We hope this will significantly decrease the number of fatalities.”

Impact of Lightning Strikes in Odisha

Lightning strikes have been a serious concern in Odisha. In the past 11 years, 3,790 people have lost their lives due to lightning, with 791 fatalities occurring in the last three fiscal years alone. Notably, on September 2, 2023, a staggering 61,000 lightning strikes in a two-hour period resulted in at least 12 deaths.

The Special Relief Commissioner’s office reported the following fatalities due to lightning strikes:

• 282 in 2021-22
• 297 in 2022-23
• 212 in 2023-24

The most affected districts include Mayurbhanj, Keonjhar, and Balasore, among others. Since 2015, the state has provided ex gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh to families of victims.

Why Lightning Strikes are a Concern

Odisha’s geographical and climatic conditions make it particularly susceptible to lightning strikes. The state’s location in the tropical zone, combined with its hot and dry climate, creates ideal conditions for lightning. The Annual Lightning Report 2023-2024 highlights eastern and central India, including Odisha, as high-risk areas for cloud-to-ground lightning strikes.

A 2021 research paper from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) links climate change to increased lightning activity, noting a 10% rise in strikes for every degree Celsius of warming. The combination of pre-monsoon and monsoon conditions, cyclonic activities, and atmospheric convective energy further contribute to Odisha’s vulnerability.

Risk to Rural Populations

Lightning strikes disproportionately affect rural areas, where most of the population relies on agriculture. With 96% of strikes occurring in rural settings, farmers and agricultural workers are at high risk. The peak agricultural season from June to October sees the highest number of lightning-related fatalities.

Effectiveness of Palm Trees

Palm trees are being used in this initiative due to their unique properties. Their height and moisture content make them effective conductors of lightning, potentially reducing the direct impact on the ground. The state has allocated Rs 7 crore for this project, banning the felling of existing palm trees and planting 19 lakh trees around forest boundaries.

Challenges and Criticisms

While the plan is ambitious, experts have raised concerns. Manoranjan Mishra, a geography professor, notes that palm trees take 15 to 20 years to grow to a height of 20 feet, which might delay the benefits. There are also worries about the potential for palm trees to catch fire after lightning strikes.

Additionally, while Odisha has implemented an early warning system and uses media to disseminate information, critics argue that precise predictions of lightning strikes are challenging. Public awareness campaigns are essential to educate rural residents on lightning safety.