Bhubaneswar, Aug 17 [UDN}:The Odisha Revenue Department has allocated ₹35 crore to the Forest Department for a large-scale palm tree plantation initiative aimed at reducing the impact of lightning strikes across the state.
According to the announcement, Odisha has around 1.71 crore land records/pattas, and palm trees are proposed to be planted on land across the state. Under the initiative, landowners will receive palm saplings along with financial assistance from the concerned department to encourage plantation on agricultural and other eligible lands.
The government believes that expanding palm tree coverage could help provide a natural protective measure against lightning, particularly in rural and agricultural areas, thereby improving the safety of farmers working in their fields.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari also stated that the government is planning to develop alternative protective arrangements in urban areas to help prevent or mitigate lightning-related risks.
The initiative is being presented as part of Odisha’s broader efforts to strengthen lightning safety, disaster preparedness and climate-resilient measures, while simultaneously increasing green cover across the state.
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