Experts address challenges of lightning-linked disasters

THE JHARKHAND STORYT NETWORK

New Delhi, Dec 10: The International Conference on Lightning and Extreme Weather Events, themed “Social Justice and Empowerment of the Most Vulnerable Communities in Building Resilience,” was inaugurated on December 9 at the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.
The conference, organised to promote the dissemination of scientific knowledge and foster societal engagement, served as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action planning on lightning-related disasters.

Release of Monsoon Lightning Report 2024

The event’s inaugural session was attended by distinguished guests, including Kishor Makwana, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment); Rajender Singh, Member and HoD of NDMA; Prof. Vinod Kumar Sharma, Vice Chairman of Sikkim SDMA; Air Vice Marshal Dr Ajit Tyagi, former DG of IMD and President of the South Asia Meteorological Association (SAMA); Col. Prof. Sanjay Srivastava, Chairman of the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC); Akash Patil, Director of the Dr Ambedkar International Centre (DAIC); Dr Soma Senroy, Scientist F at IMD; Hemant Seraphim, CEO of Insight Management Solutions; and Hari Om Tiwari, Managing Director of True Power Limited.
The conference also welcomed a wide array of participants, including representatives of State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs), professionals, academicians, NGO members, researchers, students, and concerned citizens.

Their collective expertise and commitment highlighted the critical importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by lightning-related disasters. The gathering symbolized the spirit of shared responsibility and cooperative efforts to advance scientific knowledge and strengthen community resilience.

Key Highlights

Kishor Makwana’s Address

Kishor Makwana, Chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, delivered an insightful keynote speech emphasising that lightning and extreme weather events are significant global challenges that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities. He underscored the need for collaborative action and the adoption of globally recognized best practices to reduce fatalities and mitigate adverse effects.

Makwana stressed the importance of empowering local communities through awareness and capacity-building initiatives to minimise lightning-related casualties. He called for integrating international expertise with localized interventions to tackle this pressing issue effectively.

Drawing inspiration from an anecdote about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s childhood—where he raised funds for flood victims in Surat—Makwana highlighted the value of cultivating a spirit of service and social responsibility. He also credited transformative advancements in disaster management governance under the Prime Minister’s leadership, citing robust policies, improved funding, and advanced technology. He pointed to the success of Cyclone Biparjoy, which resulted in zero casualties, as an example of effective disaster mitigation efforts.

Makwana concluded by urging all stakeholders to focus on empowering the most vulnerable communities, aligning with the vision of building an inclusive and developed India by 2047.

Rajender Singh’s Remarks

Rajender Singh, Member and HoD of NDMA, emphasised the crucial role of research and development in reducing lightning-related fatalities. He advocated leveraging scientific advancements to enhance public awareness and deepen understanding of lightning and extreme weather phenomena.

Singh also highlighted the importance of continuous innovation to develop effective mitigation strategies and technologies. He stressed combining scientific expertise with public education to minimize the impact of lightning disasters.

Prof. Vinod Kumar Sharma’s Perspective

Prof. Vinod Kumar Sharma, Vice Chairman of Sikkim SDMA, emphasised the importance of capacity-building efforts, especially at the grassroots level, to address lightning-related fatalities effectively.

Air Vice Marshal Dr. Ajit Tyagi’s Focus on Early Warning Systems

Air Vice Marshal Dr. Ajit Tyagi, former DG of IMD and President of SAMA, highlighted the need for robust early warning systems and effective dissemination strategies to reduce deaths caused by lightning and extreme weather events.

Also Read: CM Hemant Soren underlines role of Treasury, Opposition in Jharkhand’s development 

Col. Sanjay Srivastava’s Insights on Local Vulnerabilities

Col. Sanjay Srivastava, Chairman of CROPC, stressed the scientific nature of lightning and extreme weather challenges, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing local vulnerabilities. He advocated for collaboration between government agencies, scientific institutions, civil society organizations, and local communities to mitigate the impact of lightning.

Call for Community-Centric Action

The discussions during the conference reiterated the urgent need for investment in grassroots-level mitigation strategies, such as empowering gram panchayats and enhancing public awareness. Despite progress in disaster safety, preventable fatalities persist, often due to unsafe practices like taking shelter under trees during storms.

India’s strides in disaster management are commendable, but a greater focus on community-driven approaches is essential. Unified action, rather than isolated efforts, is crucial to addressing the scale of this challenge effectively.

A Path Forward

The International Conference on Lightning and Extreme Weather Events marked a significant step toward fostering collaboration and implementing evidence-based solutions to mitigate lightning-related fatalities. By prioritizing community awareness and advancing research and development, stakeholders are charting a path toward building resilience and protecting lives.

As discussions evolve into actionable plans, there is a renewed sense of urgency and determination to shield vulnerable communities from the devastating effects of lightning and extreme weather.