Sikkim gets first-ever lightning risk atlas to strengthen disaster preparedness

<p class="MsoNoSpacing"><b>GANGTOK,:</b><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif"> The “Lightning Risk Atlas of Sikkim (2019-2025)”, prepared using the Lightning Detection Sensor (LDS) network of National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) was released today at the office of Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The atlas has been jointly prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), in association with SSDMA, informs a press release.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">The book was launched in the presence of Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, relief commissioner-cum-secretary, Land Revenue &amp; Disaster Management department, along with Dr. Prakash Chauhan, director, NRSC; Dr. N. Aparna, deputy director, ECSA, NRSC; Dr. Alok Taori, scientist SG, NRSC; officials of SSDMA; and representatives from District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) of all the six districts of Sikkim.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">During the programme, the scientific team from NRSC presented the findings of the study and highlighted the lightning occurrence patterns, vulnerable areas, district-wise analysis, and risk trends observed across Sikkim during the period 2019-2025.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">Addressing the gathering, Rinzing Chewang Bhutia emphasized the importance of one-of-its-kind atlas in strengthening disaster preparedness and risk-informed planning in the State. He particularly highlighted the significance of the availability of granular-level lightning risk data, which would greatly assist district administrations and line departments in identifying vulnerable locations, planning targeted awareness programmes, and undertaking localized mitigation and preparedness measures.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">He further stated that the availability of scientific and location-specific data would enhance evidence-based decision-making and support the government’s efforts towards building a more resilient Sikkim.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">NRSC director Dr. Prakash Chauhan emphasized the role of space technology, remote sensing applications, and scientific collaboration in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience initiatives.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p> </p><p class="MsoNoSpacing"><span style="font-family:&quot;Bookman Old Style&quot;,serif">It was informed that the atlas has been developed using advanced Lightning Detection Sensor (LDS) Network data and geospatial analysis techniques to support scientific assessment of lightning risk in the State. The atlas is expected to serve as an important reference document for departments, district administrations, researchers, and stakeholders for integrating lightning risk considerations into planning and preparedness activities, the release adds.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></p>

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