With just weeks until the monsoon hits, a vital safety initiative in Dakshina Kannada (DK) aimed at reducing lightning-related deaths has been quietly abandoned. A proposal to install lightning arresters in vulnerable areas across the district has stalled due to the lack of official sanction.
Last year, the district-in-charge minister had directed immediate action to install these safety devices, with a formal decision taken during a meeting on June 10. The District Disaster Management Authority followed up by submitting a detailed proposal. Yet, the plan has seen no progress since, owing to delayed approval.
DK is reportedly the most lightning-prone region in Karnataka, with frequent strikes leading to both loss of life and damage to infrastructure. Recognizing this, sub-divisional officers from Mangaluru and Puttur identified over 40 high-risk zones. Estimated costs for each arrester ranged between ₹3 lakh and ₹5 lakh, and quotations were collected accordingly.
However, the State Disaster Management Authority rejected the plan, citing impracticality. Experts noted that lightning arresters only protect specific structures and questioned the cost-effectiveness of large-scale installations.
High-risk areas include Jeppinamogaru in Mangaluru, parts of Puttur, Moodbidri, Sullia, Bantwal, Kadaba, Ullal, and Belthangady, with several villages and bridges marked as lightning hotspots.
Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan urged residents to remain cautious and indoors during storms. The arrester project, he confirmed, has been dropped following feasibility concerns raised by the authorities.
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