THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
New Delhi, January 17: Union Minister for Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal conferred the prestigious Global DRR Award on Col. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava, popularly known as the “Lightning Man of India,” in recognition of his remarkable contributions to disaster risk reduction. The award was presented at an impressive ceremony held at the Constitution Club of India on January 15.
In his speech, Goyal praised Col. Srivastava’s extraordinary journey and highlighted his invaluable contributions to nation-building, showcasing the enduring spirit of an army veteran. Rajender Singh, Head of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), commended Col. Srivastava, calling him an international asset in the field of lightning and thunderstorm mitigation. Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain, Member of the NDMA, also congratulated Col. Srivastava, describing him as a towering personality in disaster management whose work has profoundly impacted Jharkhand, India, and the global community. “He is a silent worker, policymaker, researcher, and practitioner whose contributions speak volumes,” said Hasnain.
Dr. Ananda Babu, convener of the award, emphasized the growing complexity of disaster management and praised Col. Srivastava’s research-driven interventions, which have helped save thousands of lives and reduce property damage. He added, “Col. Srivastava is a unique and towering figure in the field of disaster risk reduction.”
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Who is Col. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava?
Col. Prof. Sanjay Kumar Srivastava is the chairman of the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) and a Professor of Practice at the TERI School of Advanced Studies. He is also associated with various scientific institutions, academic organizations, and disaster management agencies at the international, national, and state levels. These include the India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), NDMA, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, UNDRR, Santiago Network, and several INGOs and CSOs.
Revolutionizing Lightning Resilience in India
Lightning, one of the deadliest natural hazards in India, owes much of its recognition and mitigation efforts to Col. Srivastava. During 2008–2012, he spearheaded initiatives in Jharkhand to develop early warning systems, safe shelters, and safe grid systems for vulnerable communities. His work also led to amendments in building bylaws, enhanced community awareness, and the inclusion of lightning-related topics in school curricula.
Col. Srivastava played a key role in having the Jharkhand government declare lightning a state-specific disaster. He shared his technical expertise with states like Odisha, West Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh, which led to the nationwide deployment of a lightning detection network by IMD and NRSC. He also serves as the convener of the Lightning Resilient India Campaign, a joint initiative by CROPC and IMD. This campaign helped lightning gain recognition as a disaster by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
In collaboration with other stakeholders, Col. Srivastava launched tribal lightning resilience initiatives in the tribal regions of Jharkhand, Odisha, and West Bengal. He has also contributed to NDMA guidelines, policy documents, and the National Program on Lightning for the Government of India.
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A Multi-Faceted Professional
Col. Srivastava is widely regarded as an expert in climate action and disaster management, with a focus on lightning resilience, early warnings, and technology-based solutions. His expertise extends to radar systems, satellites, remote sensing, modern communication technologies, citizen science, preventive healthcare, education, and disaster loss prevention.
A doctoral fellow with multiple postgraduate degrees in technology and management, Col. Srivastava has made significant contributions to India’s emergency management landscape. His major achievements include:
- Development of India’s single emergency number, 112.
- Establishing lightning early warning systems and safe grid infrastructure.
- Promoting AI- and VR-based simulations for early warning and disaster preparedness.
- Designing risk transfer mechanisms and innovative insurance models.
- Implementing climate-resilient farming practices and green infrastructure.
- Championing tribal resilience programs and capacity-building initiatives at the grassroots level.
A Decorated Career in Disaster Management
Col. Srivastava, a gallantry-decorated war veteran, has over 39 years of experience, including 22 years in the army. He has served as an advisor to the state of Jharkhand, worked with UNDP, and gained international exposure through FEMA (USA) and KOICA (South Korea). He is a member of the Senate of a university in Manipur and serves as a visiting faculty at IITs, the Lal Bahadur Shastri Academy of Administration, the Administrative Staff College, and other institutions.
Known as the “Early Warning Man,” Col. Srivastava is also a master trainer in Urban Rescue for South Korea and an advisor to the International Avoidable Deaths Network at Leicester University, UK.
Leadership in Climate Action and Social Development
As the founder of CROPC, a nonprofit organization dedicated to risk management and climate action, Col. Srivastava has led initiatives focused on carbon net-zero infrastructure, renewable energy transitions, pollution reduction, waste management, and environmental conservation. His work emphasizes social justice and empowering vulnerable communities.
One of his unique achievements includes training the entire cabinet of Jharkhand in an executive management program at IIM Ahmedabad. He has also showcased international emergency management systems from the USA, South Korea, and Japan to political leaders and senior bureaucrats in India.
A Prolific Writer and Speaker
Col. Srivastava is an accomplished writer, speaker, and blogger, with over 72 publications in peer-reviewed journals and numerous articles in newspapers and magazines. He serves on the editorial and reviewer boards of several SCI journals and is a regular advocate for disaster resilience on national television and social media.
His contributions have earned him numerous awards, including the Nelson Mandela Academy Award, Leadership Award, Acharya Award (2024), Jharkhand Ratna Award, and Acharya Award by West Bengal (2024).
Col. Srivastava’s dedication to disaster management and climate resilience continues to inspire and create meaningful change across India and beyond.
