Odisha promotes Palm tree plantations to combat lightening

Recently, Odisha state has restricted the cutting of existing palm trees and plans to plant palm trees to reduce casualties from lightning strikes.

• According to Odisha’s Government, individuals must seek permission from the forest department before cutting palm trees on private land.
  Stringent measures will be enforced against those who disregard this directive.
• The Government encouraged officials to initiate extensive palm tree plantations in reserve forests and other susceptible districts to mitigate risks associated with lightning strikes.
• According to the plan, the Government intends to plant approximately 1.9 million palm trees throughout the state during the fiscal year 2024-25.  

Background of the issue:

• On average, the state witnessed 300 lightning-related deaths each year. During this period, the state government documented a total of 16,372 fatalities resulting from diverse natural disasters. 
• Lightning strikes claim around 2,500 lives annually in India. Odisha is one of India’s worst-affected states by lightning strikes during the pre-monsoon and monsoon periods.
• Lightning was declared a state-specific disaster in Odisha in 2015.

What do experts say on the issue?

• Palm trees are thought to act as natural conductors during lightning strikes, which some experts believe could lower lightning-related deaths. 
• However, other experts question the effectiveness of this strategy, and whether palm trees can effectively intercept lightning strikes. 
• Similar efforts in Bangladesh have not substantially reduced lightning fatalities.
• Some experts argue that tall trees in general can absorb lightning strikes. They advocate for safeguarding all tall trees, not just palms, to reduce the risk of lightning-related deaths.