Press Release
Press Release from Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), Government of Sikkim
Information & Public Relations Department
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 hrs at the office of the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA), Government of Sikkim.
The Atlas has been jointly prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, Government of India, in association with the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
The programme was graced by Shri Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, IAS, Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Government of Sikkim, 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.
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.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, IAS, 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.
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.
Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director, NRSC, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the role of space technology, remote sensing applications, and scientific collaboration in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience initiatives.
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 programme concluded with a vote of thanks and reaffirmation of continued collaboration between NRSC and SSDMA towards strengthening disaster resilience in Sikkim.
The Atlas has been jointly prepared by National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Department of Space, Government of India, in association with the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SSDMA).
The programme was graced by Shri Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, IAS, Relief Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department, Government of Sikkim, 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.
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.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Rinzing Chewang Bhutia, IAS, 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.
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.
Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director, NRSC, also addressed the gathering and emphasized the role of space technology, remote sensing applications, and scientific collaboration in disaster risk reduction and climate resilience initiatives.
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 programme concluded with a vote of thanks and reaffirmation of continued collaboration between NRSC and SSDMA towards strengthening disaster resilience in Sikkim.
