Odisha Government to Plant 19 Lakh Palm Trees to Combat Lightning Strikes
The Odisha government has announced an ambitious plan to plant nearly 1.9 million palm trees this fiscal year as a measure to protect its citizens from lightning strikes. This initiative comes in response to the alarming number of deaths caused by lightning in the state, with 3,790 fatalities recorded over the past 11 years, 90% of which occurred in rural areas.
Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Debidutta Biswal, highlighted the life-saving potential of palm trees. “As the tallest trees in their localities, palm trees act as excellent lightning arrestors, effectively arresting lightning and saving lives. The decision to plant these trees is a crucial step in reducing the number of lightning-related deaths,” Biswal stated.
To prevent deforestation and the indiscriminate cutting of palm trees, authorities now require individuals to obtain permission from the forest department before felling any palm tree, even if it is on private property. This regulation aims to protect the trees and maintain their critical role in lightning protection.
The state plans to invest around ₹7.5 crore in this plantation initiative, which has received approval from the Special Relief Commission (SRC). The project includes planting four palm trees on the premises of each forest block in Odisha.
In addition to their role in lightning protection, palm trees are expected to help address the food crisis faced by elephants in the state. Palm leaves and fruits, such as dates, provide a nutritious food source for the animals.
The Odisha government is also collaborating with the Indian Institute of Tropical Management (IITM), Pune, and US-based Earth Networks to enhance lightning detection and early warning systems. These collaborations aim to provide timely alerts and warnings about potential lightning strikes, which will be disseminated through various mediums, including GPS systems.
By integrating these measures, the Odisha government hopes to significantly reduce lightning-related fatalities and improve overall safety and environmental sustainability in the state.
