With great humility, it gives me immense pleasure in sharing Mid Monsoon 2019 Lightning Report - first ever scientific evidence based analysis of Lightning strikes versus impacts in India for period 01 April 2019 to 31 July 2019 . The scientific data used have been taken from Indian Meteorological Department ( IMD), Indian Institute of Tropical Management (IITM) Pune and National Remote Sensing Centre of Indian Space Research Organization. The impact analysis has been done with the help of reports from MHA Website , NDMA’s guidelines and periodic interactions ,state Disaster Management Departments/other departments , Indian Red Cross Society ,media, INGOs and local NGOS and network of our volunteers . The casualty data is tentative and its under process for reconciliation with state authorities .
It would be ideal if states can undertake microzonation of lightning strikes and assess impacts . CROPC can assist states to set up Lightning EW & Dissemination systems, microzonation of lightning forecasts, strikes and impacts , Lightning risk assessments as well as capacity building. CROPC has expertise technical expertise to accomplish and can be done at the request of state at their cost.
The Monsoon 2019 Lightning Report has been planned to be published during November after due reconciliation with states. Therefore , it is earnestly requested to share the available data about lightning casualties in your state since 01 April 2019. The data from states would facilitate better research, more precise identification of lightning hotspots and addressing the issues.
Its pertinent to mention that Lightning Resilient India Campaign has been launched with an aim to reduce 80% deaths in next 03 years by Climate Resilient Observing- Systems Promotion Council (CROPC www.cropc.in ) – a non profit organization under section 8 of company act 2013 in collaboration with IMD, IIT Delhi, Indian Meteorologist Society (IMS) , Association of Agromets (AoA) and World Vision India duly supported by NDMA , NRSC and other Government and non government organizations on 26 March 2019 at IIT Delhi. Since then CROPC has set up Lightning council of India www.lightningcouncil.com
The report gives you precise lightning hotspots where preventive and mitigative action needs to be undertaken. The IMD’s latest 24 hours early warning has brought in sea change in the lightning early warning systems for states down to community. The grey area is the negligence towards installation of Lightning protection devices at vulnerable points. Though as per NBC 2016, installation of Lightning conductor has been stipulated clearly but compliance is mostly compromised . As per our survey analysis, the coverage of lightning protection device is merely 2% . This needs attention state DM authorities in initiating a policy change in UDD and RDD for necessary amendment in building bye laws and pursuing its compliance through Municipal bodies in urban area /Rural Housing Development authorities in rural areas .
There are periodic reports about deaths of school children due to lightning . Installation of Lightning protection device should be made mandatory as parts of school safety .
The major area where we need to work is generate awareness amongst public towards Lightning safety. Through our campaign, we intend creating a culture of Lightning and electrical safety in society . We have comprehensive training module designed for farmers, school children teachers, master trainers, Government officials, Women , industries and the same can be conducted at the state's request.
With the increasing frequency and intensity due to global warming the work being done towards lightning safety needs to upscaled grossly. Lightning Resilient India Campaign has mammoth task ahead.
The suggestions and comments are solicited from states, academia and researchers in this regard.
Wish you a Lightning safe Monsoon 2019.
(Col Sanjay Srivastava)
Convener, Lightning Resilient India Campaign
Chairman, Climate Resilient Observing-Systems Promotion Council (CROPC)
87A , 2nd Floor, Adchini, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi 110017
