‘BSDMA doing its best to control lightning deaths’

BSDMA vice-chairman Uday Kant Mishra says rising lightning fatalities in Bihar are linked to geography, climate change and rapid urbanisation. In a conversation with TOI's B K Mishra, he outlines the challenges and the state's efforts to save lives. Excerpts:
Why is Bihar so vulnerable to lightning? Is it so because of its geographical location?
Bihar alone is not vulnerable to cloud to ground lightning. The whole eastern Indo-Gangetic plain experiences similar tragedy every year. Locally, in Bihar, this is known as ‘Kal-Vaishakhi'. The climate of this plain is such that around the commencement of Vaishakha month (around end of March) the earth gets warmer and the air in its contact gets warm and dry (called thermal) and moves up towards the sky. When this warm air comes in contact with the moisture, lightning strikes. Besides geographical reasons, climate change, indiscriminate urbanisation, high population density (1,106 per sq km as compared to the national average of 382) and cutting of tall trees for urbanisation or cultivation have been accentuating this problem.
Why is the frequency of deaths increasing in the state year after year?
The number of deaths is directly proportional to the lightning strikes. Almost every year, due to reasons mentioned above, there has been an unusually active pre-monsoon season and a considerable increase in cloud to ground lightning numbers. The state has witnessed sharp and short duration rainfall, mostly from deep convective clouds, having larger numbers of GC strikes. As a result, the number of victims has increased almost proportionately.
What is BSDMA doing to minimise the loss of lives due to lightning in Bihar?
BSDMA is doing its best to control lightning deaths by sending electronic alerts up to panchayat levels. Besides sending electronic alerts, it also sends alerts to a large number of professions, including trained volunteers, swimmers, masons and Jeevika Didis who have been trained by the Authority. They are directed to move from door to door for alerting as foot soldiers. The miking for alert is regularly done. Further, with the help of SAC (Satellite Application Centre – a part of ISRO) and BMSK (Bihar Mausam Seva Kendra), early warnings for thunderstorm and lightning are under validation. It is expected to warn people about 90 minutes before the lightning strikes the ground.
What about the NITISH device? Why is it yet to become popular in the state?
The NITISH device is yet to reach the masses because its mass production has not started as yet. IIT-Patna is trying to find out an appropriate and dependable manufacturer. On the request of the BSDMA, a leading private consultancy firm has agreed to provide adequate assistance and support. Once fully implemented, this would be a game changer.
How can we ensure the safety of poor farmers and others from lightning?
To save the lives of people from lightning strikes, three things are required. They include proper awareness, early warning and provision of appropriate shelters during lightning. The state govt is busy working on all three fronts.
Can the phenomenon of lightning be reduced through human intervention?
Yes, it is quite possible. Modern laser beam guides act as a preferential path for the lightning, diverting it away from the potential victims. Intense and short laser pulses are sent towards the clouds. They undergo a filamentation process. The process is rather quite technical but effective.