As part of its initiative to minimise loss of life caused by natural disasters, Uttar Pradesh government is installing lightning detection sensors in five districts of the state in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, an official statement issued here on Sunday said.
The sensors, being installed in Etah, Meerut, Balrampur, Lakhimpur Kheri and Sonbhadra, will help rapidly detect lightning activity and issue timely warnings, it said.
This will give people sufficient time to take precautions and enable authorities to initiate necessary measures to prevent potential accidents.
According to the Relief Commissioner’s Office, the primary objective of this initiative is to reduce loss of life caused by lightning and make disaster management preparedness more effective, the statement said.
During the rainy season, farmers working in fields, labourers working in open areas, villagers and livestock rearers face the greatest risk from lightning strikes.
Timely warnings will enable people to move to safer locations. They will also help local administration and disaster management agencies take the necessary precautionary measures.
Special arrangements are also being made in Sonbhadra district to protect people from lightning strikes.
A ‘Lightning Detection and Early Warning System’ is being installed in 32 villages of the Duddhi block for Rs 1.33 crore. The objective is to ensure that timely alerts reach people living in vulnerable areas so that they can take the necessary precautions to remain safe when lightning strikes are likely.
According to the Relief Commissioner’s office, the state’s disaster management strategy focuses not only on providing relief after an incident but also on identifying potential threats in advance and preventing damage.
Technologies such as lightning warning sensors will help improve weather monitoring and strengthen the state’s preparedness to deal with natural disasters.
(PTI)
