Nayagarh: Natural disasters are a constant companion to Odisha. However, in recent years, lightning strikes have emerged as a particularly devastating threat, causing alarming losses of life, property, and livestock. This peril intensifies during the monsoon season, when sudden downpours are often accompanied by thunderstorms. The electrical discharge from these storms poses a severe danger, especially to unaware or unprepared individuals and their animals. Furthermore, lightning frequently damages or destroys essential household electrical appliances, disrupting daily life. 
Lightning Awareness Program Held at Anand Sahoo Government Girls' High School, Kurala


Recognizing the escalating toll of lightning-related incidents across the state, the Odisha government has officially declared lightning a state-specific natural disaster. Alongside this crucial designation, concerted efforts have begun across various mass media platforms to significantly raise public awareness about lightning risks and safety measures.
In line with directives from the School and Mass Education Department, Anand Sahu Government Girls' High School in Kurala recently organized a vital awareness discussion session within its premises. The event, spearheaded by the school's Eco Club, focused on the theme "Lightning and its Prevention." It brought together a diverse audience including students, parents, management committee members, and teachers.
The program featured distinguished guests. The local Sarpanch graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, underscoring the community's concern. Mr. Sukant Chowdhury, a noted environmentalist ("Prakriti Bandhu"), served as the keynote speaker. He delivered a comprehensive presentation covering the causes of lightning, potential mitigation strategies, essential safety precautions during thunderstorms, and details about government compensation schemes available for lightning strike victims.

Mr. Chowdhury provided crucial historical context. He explained that tall trees like Palmyra (Tal), Date Palm (Khajuri), and Coconut palms, which were once abundant, naturally acted as lightning conductors. Their height attracted electrical discharges away from populated areas, thereby reducing ground strikes and associated casualties. Tragically, widespread and often indiscriminate felling of these vital trees over the years has stripped away this natural protective layer. He emphasized that the current spike in lightning fatalities and damage is a direct consequence of this environmental degradation. As a primary preventive measure, he passionately appealed for the large-scale planting of Palmyra, Date Palm, and similar tall trees across the state.
The awareness session was further reinforced by impactful slogans chanted by participants, such as "Know, Inform, and Win," "Be Alert, Stay Safe," "Salutations to the Tree God," "Plant Palmyra, Save Lives," driving home the key messages of vigilance and environmental action.
A unique and culturally resonant segment of the program involved the ceremonial worship (Pujan) of the sacred Tal tree. Offerings of incense (Dhup), flowers (Pushpa), and water (Jal) were made to the tree, invoking its protection and linking the environmental message with reverence for nature, symbolized alongside Lord Jagannath.
The event was skillfully coordinated by teacher Mrs. Kalpana Panigrahi, ensuring its smooth flow and engagement. Mrs. Vishnupriya Panda formally proposed the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the guests, participants, and organizers.
The active cooperation of the attending teachers was instrumental in making the discussion circle both informative and successful. The core message resonated clearly: if awareness spreads from individuals to the wider community, lightning, like other natural disasters Odisha regularly faces, can be significantly mitigated. There is no doubt that collective consciousness and proactive measures, particularly tree planting, are key to reducing the deadly impact of this growing natural hazard.