​​​​​​​Bhubaneswar, October 15: Odisha will prepare a comprehensive lightning safety roadmap for 2027-2030, focusing on accurate forecasting, early warnings, public awareness and emergency response, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said on Thursday.

Inaugurating a two-day National Workshop on Lightning Safety organised by OSDMA, Pujari said the initiative aims to reduce lightning-related deaths and damage.

IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mohapatra stressed the use of satellite data, artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve lightning detection and forecasting.

OSDMA Managing Director Rajesh Prabhakar Patil highlighted the need to strengthen early warning systems and protect vulnerable groups, including farmers, outdoor workers and students.

The workshop, being held on October 15 and 16, will focus on drafting standard operating procedures and an action plan titled“Lightning-Safe Odisha: Action Plan 2027 and Roadmap 2027-2030.”Scientists, researchers and disaster management officials from leading national institutions are participating.