TIRUPATI: In a major step towards disaster mitigation, the Andhra Pradesh government has come up with a model project to minimise lightning fatalities in vulnerable rural areas.
The Mitigation Project on Lightning Safety (MPLS) will be implemented in 16 villages across four high-risk Anantapur, Prakasam, Nellore and Vizianagaram districts.
The project is being taken up with the support from the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) and in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) and RTGS-AWARE platform.
The government has identified lightning as a major threat after the AWARE early warning system showed no decline in lightning-related deaths during June-December 2025. Official data revealed that the number of lightning deaths more or less remained unchanged in 2024 and 2025.
Only three cyclone-related deaths were recorded in 2025 due to commendable progress in disaster management, whereas lightning fatalities stood at 95.
Officials mentioned that 32 lightning deaths have already been reported in the State during the summer season (March and May), highlighting the urgent need for focused mitigation steps. Hence, the government has decided to develop physical safety infrastructure and community preparedness systems in vulnerable villages.
EFM-based system to issue real-time lightning alerts
Under the project, an Electric Field Meter (EFM)-based lightning detection system will be installed in the identified Gram Panchayats to provide real-time lightning alerts to villagers. The project also includes installation of Lightning Protection Systems (LPS) in high-risk areas.
The total project cost is estimated at Rs 11.77 crore and of which Rs 9.94 crore is being funded by the Centre through NDMF, while the State government will contribute Rs 1.83 crore. The funds were released by the National Disaster Management Authority on February 9, 2026. The project also focuses on awareness and capacity building activities, including mock drills, behavioural awareness campaigns and training programmes for farmers, tribal communities and schoolchildren on lightning safety. The government has also decided to activate AWARE lightning alerts from April 1 every year.
Speaking to TNIE, Prakhar Jain, MD of APSMDA, said the initiative will initially be implemented as a pilot project funded by NDMA in a 90:10 ratio between the Centre and the State. “The major components of the project include risk assessment and lightning early warning system, electric field detection system, awareness and capacity building, mitigation and non-structural activities, research and development,” he explained.
Identified villages
Prakasam Mundlamuru, Tallur, Ippagunta and Miraiyampalli
Anantapur Palthur, Ullikallu, Kristipadu and Doddagatta
V’nagaram Chintada, Alamanda, Jonnavalasa and Sriharipuram
Nellore Polampadu, Amudaladinne, Chennur and Kandamur
