Bhubaneswar: The state’s lightning warning system is set for a major technological boost, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) announcing plans to integrate satellite data, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into forecasting and alerts.
“Scientific and technological advancements must be harnessed to make disaster management mechanisms more effective,” IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra said.
The IMD chief was speaking at the inaugural session of the National Workshop on Lightning Safety organised by the Odisha State Disaster Management Authority (OSDMA).
The two‑day workshop (15 and 16 October) will prepare a “Lightning‑Safe Odisha: Action Plan 2027” and Roadmap 2027–2030, focusing on improved forecasting, risk reduction, public awareness, early warning dissemination and emergency response.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, who inaugurated the event, noted that lightning had “emerged as a major disaster because of its human toll and the extent of damage it causes.” He expressed confidence that the workshop would strengthen Odisha’s preparedness.
OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil said the initiative would translate scientific advances into practical safety measures for vulnerable groups such as farmers, agricultural labourers, outdoor workers and students.
Experts from national scientific institutions, universities and disaster management agencies are examining ways to extend warning lead times, improve forecast accuracy and strengthen coordination between scientific and administrative bodies. The deliberations will also shape a draft standard operating procedure for lightning safety.
