Lightning an understated disaster in India: Experts call for deeper understanding of atmospheric electricity

Lightning, often perceived as a fleeting natural phenomenon, has emerged as a grave and 'understated disaster' in India, claiming thousands of lives annually. Experts at a recent national conference underscored this critical issue, pointing out significant gaps in research, testing facilities, and local preparedness as major impediments to reducing fatalities. This situation demands a comprehensive understanding, especially for aspirants preparing for competitive exams, as it touches upon environment, disaster management, and public policy.

Historically, India has been vulnerable to various natural calamities due to its diverse geography and climatic conditions. While cyclones, floods, and earthquakes often grab headlines and policy attention, lightning has quietly become one of the leading causes of natural disaster-related deaths. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reports that lightning accounts for a substantial portion of natural disaster fatalities each year. For instance, between April 2020 and March 2021, over 18.5 million lightning strikes were recorded across India, leading to thousands of deaths. This alarming trend is exacerbated by climate change, which scientists predict could increase the frequency and intensity of lightning strikes.

What makes lightning particularly deadly in India is a combination of factors. A large rural population, predominantly engaged in agriculture, often works in open fields, making them highly susceptible. Lack of adequate shelter, poor awareness about lightning safety protocols, and the absence of robust early warning systems at the grassroots level contribute significantly to the high mortality rate. The 'gaps' highlighted by experts refer to a deficit in dedicated research on atmospheric electricity specific to the Indian subcontinent, insufficient infrastructure for testing lightning protection systems, and critically, a lack of localized preparedness plans and widespread public education campaigns.

Key stakeholders in addressing this challenge include the **India Meteorological Department (IMD)**, which is responsible for weather forecasting and issuing lightning alerts. The **National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)**, established under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, is the apex body for formulating policies, guidelines, and plans for disaster management. State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) and District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) are crucial for implementing these policies at the state and local levels. Research institutions, universities, and organizations like the **Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM)** are vital for advancing scientific understanding and developing early warning technologies. Local communities, Panchayati Raj Institutions, and NGOs also play a critical role in disseminating information and building local resilience.

For India, the significance of tackling lightning as a disaster is multi-faceted. Firstly, it's a profound human tragedy, with the loss of life disproportionately affecting vulnerable rural communities and farmers, who are often the primary breadwinners. This has significant socio-economic repercussions, pushing families into deeper poverty and impacting rural livelihoods. Secondly, it poses an economic threat, causing damage to infrastructure, livestock, and agricultural output. Thirdly, it is a development challenge, as frequent lightning incidents can hinder progress in rural areas and divert resources from other development initiatives. Addressing this issue aligns with India's broader commitment to disaster risk reduction (DRR) and achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to poverty reduction and climate action.

From a constitutional perspective, disaster management primarily falls under the Concurrent List, allowing both the Union and State governments to legislate. However, subjects like 'Public Health and Sanitation' (Entry 6) and 'Relief of the disabled and unemployable' (Entry 9) in the State List also indirectly relate to post-disaster response. The **Disaster Management Act, 2005**, is the foundational legal framework, providing for the effective management of disasters and matters connected therewith. This Act mandates the creation of the NDMA, SDMAs, and DDMAs, emphasizing a multi-hazard, multi-sectoral, and multi-stakeholder approach. The National Disaster Management Policy, 2009, further stresses a paradigm shift from a relief-centric approach to a proactive, prevention, mitigation, and preparedness-oriented strategy. The policy encourages the integration of DRR into development planning, which is highly relevant for addressing lightning risks in agricultural and rural settings.

Looking ahead, future implications necessitate a robust and integrated approach. This includes investing in advanced research on atmospheric electricity to better understand lightning patterns and behavior, especially in tropical regions. Developing and deploying a more dense and accurate lightning detection network, coupled with real-time early warning systems like the 'Damini' App developed by IITM, is crucial. Furthermore, massive public awareness campaigns, tailored for rural populations and farmers, are essential to educate them on safety measures during thunderstorms. Integrating lightning safety protocols into rural development schemes, agricultural advisories, and school curricula would be vital. International collaboration on lightning research and technology transfer could also play a significant role. By bridging the identified gaps in research, testing, and preparedness, India can transform lightning from an understated killer into a manageable risk, saving countless lives and protecting livelihoods.