The number of deaths from lightning bolts are on the rise in our country. Already this year's toll till May has exceeded the number till May of the past year according to the different reports published in the media. A leading Bengali daily has reported that at least 112 people have died from lightning strikes over the last 10 days. I believe that increase in pollution is behind the increase in such disaster as toxic particles from factories, emitted into the air, increase the level of carbon dioxide which in turn attracts the negative charge from the clouds causing lightning bolts. Another reason is the rampant cutting down of trees in most parts of the country. The lack of trees is also increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The shortage of oxygen due to deforestation may also lead to other natural disasters like cyclones and bring about an ecological imbalance. Lightning bolts strike the most in the northern parts of Bangladesh. To tackle the situation we need to plant more trees. Our government can also build towers beside roads and buildings so that the tower attracts and absorbs the strikes. Already our government has taken a decision to plant one million palm trees in haor areas of the country to battle the menace of lightning strikes. Also, the government can raise mass awareness on safety from lightning strikes by disseminating information at urban and rural levels. Spreading the information at schools can be a viable option in this situation.
Sumon Kumar Paul
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine,
Patuakhali Science & Technology University.
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