Answer:

Lightning is a massive spark of electricity in the atmosphere, typically occurring during thunderstorms. In India, lightning strikes are particularly prevalent in eastern and central regions, with Odisha recording the highest fatalities. Triggered by atmospheric instability and exacerbated by the monsoon season and climate change, lightning strikes are a significant natural hazard. 

Causes of Lightning Strikes in India:

• Formation of Thunderclouds: During a thunderstorm, clouds form in the sky where tiny water droplets and ice particles collide, creating the conditions necessary for lightning.
  For instance: In eastern and central regions, frequent thunderstorms create thunderclouds that lead to numerous lightning strikes, particularly during the monsoon season.
• Electric Charge Imbalance: The collisions of water droplets and ice particles within thunderclouds result in an imbalance of electrical charges, with positive charges gathering at the top and negative charges at the bottom of the cloud.
  For example: This charge separation process is common in eastern and central India, where the highest number of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes are reported, according to the Annual Lightning Report 2023-2024.
• Strong Electric Field: The separation of charges within the cloud creates a strong electric field between the top and bottom of the cloud. When this field becomes strong enough, it can overcome the resistance of the air, leading to a lightning strike.
  For example: In Odisha’s hot, dry climate, strong electric fields develop frequently, contributing to the high incidence of lightning strikes in the state.
• Path for Electricity: When the electric field is strong enough, it creates a conductive path for electricity to travel through the air, resulting in a lightning bolt that can strike the ground or move from one cloud to another.
  For example: Odisha recorded 61,000 lightning strikes in just two hours on September 2, 2023, illustrating the frequent creation of conductive paths for electricity during intense thunderstorms.
• Climatic Conditions: Specific climatic conditions, such as high temperatures and humidity, enhance the likelihood of thunderstorm formation and subsequent lightning strikes.
  For example: Odisha’s tropical climate, characterised by high temperatures and humidity, provides ideal conditions for thunderstorms and lightning, leading to a significant number of lightning-related fatalities each year.

Effects of Lightning Strikes in India:

• High Fatalities: Lightning strikes lead to significant loss of life each year in India, with certain states experiencing particularly high death tolls.
  For example: In Odisha, a total of 3,790 people have lost their lives to lightning strikes over the past 11 years. In the last three fiscal years alone, 791 people died due to lightning strikes.
• State-Specific Disasters: Some states have recognized lightning strikes as a critical issue and designated them as state-specific disasters, providing financial compensation for affected families.
  For example: Odisha designated lightning as a state-specific disaster in 2015 and has provided ex gratia payments of Rs 4 lakh for each lightning-related death since then.
• Economic Impact: The economic burden of lightning strikes includes costs associated with property damage, healthcare, and financial compensation to affected families.
  For example: The Special Relief Commissioner’s office in Odisha approved Rs 7 crore for planting 19 lakh palm trees to mitigate the impact of lightning strikes, reflecting the state’s substantial financial commitment to addressing this issue.
• Increased Frequency of Incidents: There has been an observed increase in the frequency of lightning strikes, exacerbating the threat to both human life and property.
• Environmental and Structural Damage: Lightning strikes can cause significant environmental damage, including forest fires and damage to infrastructure, such as buildings and power lines.

Management Techniques for Combating Hazards:

• Risk Assessment and Analysis: Identifying and evaluating potential hazards through qualitative and quantitative methods to estimate the probability and impact.
  For example: Conducting a vulnerability assessment in prone areas to predict potential damage.
• Hazard Mitigation Planning: Developing and implementing long-term strategies to reduce risks, including structural and non-structural measures.
• Early Warning Systems: Utilising technological solutions to detect and alert about impending hazards, ensuring timely evacuation and preparation.
• Community Education and Preparedness: Conducting awareness programs and drills to educate communities, encouraging local participation in hazard management plans.
  For example: Organising fire safety drills in schools and workplaces.
• Sustainable Land Use Planning: Integrating hazard management into urban planning to minimise risk exposure through strategic land use.

In the future, advanced technologies and data-driven strategies will revolutionise lightning hazard management in India. Integrating AI for precise forecasting, enhancing community awareness, and implementing innovative solutions like the palm tree initiative in Odisha will significantly reduce fatalities and damage. Proactive and sustainable approaches will ensure safer environments amidst increasing climate challenges.

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