CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT LIGHTNING RELATED CASUALTIES

CAMPAIGN TO PREVENT LIGHTNING RELATED CASUALTIES

1-AUG-ENG 4

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

SASARAM-------------------------The district administration has launched a comprehensive public awareness campaign aimed at preventing loss of life due to lightning strikes in the district. In collaboration with the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority (BSDMA), a one-day orientation program on "Lightning Protection and Disaster Risk Reduction" was held on Wednesday at the DRDA auditorium in the Collectorate, presided over by District Magistrate Deepak Kumar Mishra. This initiative is considered a significant step towards saving lives by disseminating scientific information to rural areas.

The program commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp. The District Magistrate noted that lightning is a natural disaster claiming many lives annually, yet most such tragedies can be averted through timely vigilance and adherence to correct information. He urged the trained volunteers to visit villages and educate people on following weather department warnings, seeking shelter in safe locations, and adopting scientific measures to stay safe from lightning. He emphasized that disaster management succeeds only when society actively participates alongside the administration.

Deputy Development Commissioner Vijay Kumar Pandey provided the participants with detailed information regarding the scientific causes of lightning, potential hazards, and safety measures. He advised against approaching open fields, tall trees, electric poles, or water bodies during inclement weather, noting that taking shelter in sturdy buildings is the safest option. Detailed discussions were also held on the primary precautions to be observed during such disasters.

Sandeep Sharma, Project Officer at the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, presented the training module and the action plan for the village-level awareness campaign. He stated that the campaign aims to minimize lightning-related casualties by conveying practical and scientific information to rural communities.

Selected cadets from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and Bharat Scouts and Guides received specialized training during this program. These volunteers will now visit their respective villages to raise awareness among the people about protection against lightning strikes, weather-related warnings, safe practices, and precautions to be taken during disasters.

The event was attended by the Deputy Development Commissioner, Additional Collector-cum-Additional District Magistrate, District Land Acquisition Officer, District Panchayati Raj Officer, District Education Officer, Project Officer from the Bihar State Disaster Management Authority, representatives from the NCC and Bharat Scouts and Guides, and a large number of cadets. During the program, detailed training was also provided on community-based disaster management, risk reduction strategies, and safety standards.