Lightning sensors, mobile app to issue alerts

PATNA: Lightning sensors have been installed at various locations in Bihar in the wake of frequent lightning strikes in recent years that have led to heavy loss of life and property.
State disaster management department has installed an early warning system for lightning at six places covering the entire state, which give advance warning at least 40-45 minutes before the lightning strike.
The department has also launched a mobile app “Indravajra” under the early warning system, which gives early alert for lightning in a radius of 20kms.
BSDMA vice-chairman Vyasji told TOI that lightning sensors and the early warning system have been developed by a US-based firm ‘Earth Networks’ as per a memorandum of understanding signed with the DMD.
“The early warning system is linked to the mobile app, which sends alerts in advance regarding the possibility of lightning strike. The system has been quite effective and steps are being taken to promote its usage, especially in the rural areas,” Vyasji said.
According to sources, the US firm Earth Networks is also providing its services to Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odissa and West Bengal for developing such early warning systems.
Lightning sensors have also been installed at two places in Bihar by Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune under a MoU with ministry of earth sciences.
“The lightning sensors at Patna and Madhubani have been installed at the premises of Central University of South Bihar and Madhubani collectorate respectively,” said Pradhan Parth Sarthi, professor of environmental science department at Central University of South Bihar. He is also the nodal officer of IITM’s lightning sensor project in Bihar.
“The lightning sensors developed by IITM give information about lightning at a place, not a forecast for the same,” Sarthi said.
Bihar government has also signed an MoU with Skymet Weather Services, a private weather monitoring agency, in 2019 to facilitate weather forecast services. Sources said the water resources department also takes the services of Skymet in disaster preparedness.