Odisha Govt to Plant 20 Lakh Palm Trees to Check Rising Lightning Deaths

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to plant 20 lakh palm trees across the state to put a check on rising deaths due to lightning strikes.

According to the state government, these tall trees with electricity conductive properties would play a crucial role in reducing lighting casualties.

The State government announced this following 16 deaths in separate lightning strikes on Saturday and Sunday.

According to Odisha Minister of revenue and disaster management Suresh Pujari, the number of lightning deaths in Odisha is quite high. Nearly 300 people die due to lightning strikes in Odisha every year due to lightning strikes.

“Considering these, the forest department has been directed to plant palm trees in all vulnerable places, including school premises”, said Pujari. The state government through an order has also prohibited random cutting of palm trees.

According to experts, palm trees act as excellent lightning arrestors.