Lightning strikes have claimed 1,625 lives in the state over the last five years
OdishaPlus Bureau
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has directed the chief secretary of Odisha to develop a standard operating procedure (SOP) and guidelines aimed at mitigating fatalities caused by lightning strikes. Over the past five years, the state has recorded 1,625 deaths attributed to lightning.
This directive was issued on Thursday following a petition submitted by Radhakanta Tripathy, a human rights activist and lawyer from Odisha. The petitioner highlighted that numerous districts have reported fatalities due to lightning and thunderbolts, yet the government has failed to implement an effective action plan to reduce these incidents.
The NHRC acknowledged the issue and convened hearings with both parties involved. Tripathy proposed various measures to decrease the number of fatalities and injuries resulting from lightning strikes. He also emphasized the importance of establishing an SOP to ensure compensation and support for the families of the victims.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has received recommendations from the complainant aimed at reducing fatalities caused by lightning strikes. These recommendations encompass initiatives for public awareness and education, the implementation of real-time weather forecasting and warning systems through the installation of advanced lightning detection technology throughout the state, the establishment of safe shelter programs, the enforcement of infrastructure and building regulations, training for emergency responders, data collection and research efforts, the promotion of lightning safety practices, enhancements to disaster management plans, and the development of community resilience.
Additionally, the commission has noted the complainant’s proposals for the government to establish a clear and effective Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for providing compensation and support to the families of victims. This includes processes for the identification and verification of lightning-related fatalities, effective communication and coordination, criteria for compensation eligibility, the establishment of a compensation account, required documentation, the processing of compensation claims, timely disbursement of funds, record-keeping and monitoring, as well as initiatives for public awareness and outreach, alongside training and capacity-building exercises.
The NHRC order stated that, given the Odisha government’s ongoing efforts to decrease fatalities, the commission believes that the recommendations provided by the complainant should be taken into account by the state government for the development of future policies. Consequently, a copy of the complainant’s correspondence should be forwarded to the chief secretary of Odisha for appropriate action. With this instruction, the case is hereby concluded.
