'Project Damini' to strengthen community preparedness against lightning launched in Narmadapuram
Correspondent
NewsBits.in
BHOPAL: In a significant step towards reducing preventable lightning-related deaths and strengthening community resilience, the District Administration, Narmadapuram has launched Project Damini – a district lightning safety community awareness programme on July 3.
The project is in collaboration with UNICEF Madhya Pradesh and the Disaster Management Institute (DMI}.
The initiative aims to strengthen last-mile awareness, promote life-saving behaviours and enhance community preparedness ahead of the monsoon season.
The launch brought together district officials, frontline workers and school students, reaffirming a shared commitment to protecting communities from one of India's deadliest weather-related hazards.
The district also unveiled 'Electra', a child-friendly mascot for Project Damini, designed to engage children and communities in learning simple, life-saving lightning safety practices.
Addressing the gathering, Somesh Mishra, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Narmadapuram, reaffirmed the district's commitment to strengthening preparedness and ensuring that communities are equipped to respond safely during the monsoon- "Preparedness begins long before a disaster occurs.
Through Project Damini, we are strengthening coordination across departments, empowering communities through trained ‘Lightning Mitras’, and ensuring that timely warnings and life-saving information reach every village across Narmadapuram."
Congratulating the district administration, William Hanlon, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, said: "Lightning deaths are largely preventable. By combining early warnings with community awareness and local leadership, Project Damini can help ensure that every warning reaches the last mile and every family knows how to stay safe."
Speaking at the launch, Anil Gulati, Communication Specialist, UNICEF Madhya Pradesh, emphasized the importance of widespread use of the Damini Lightning Alert App and community awareness- "Technology can save lives only when people know about it and act on it. Promoting the Damini App and simple safety messages at the community level is the key to reducing lightning-related deaths." He said important is that we spread awareness on preventive steps.
A technical presentation on the programme was delivered by Abhishek Mishra, Technical Expert, Disaster Management Institute (DMI), Bhopal, who outlined key interventions including promotion of the Damini App, training of Lightning Mitras, school-based awareness activities and village-level preparedness. He also demonstrated the Lightning Crouch Position, familiarising participants with safe protective actions during lightning emergencies.
Project Damini will focus on raising awareness among farmers, schoolchildren, frontline workers and rural communities through both traditional and digital communication channels.
Trained Lightning Mitras will play a central role in disseminating early warnings, promoting safe practices and strengthening village-level preparedness. The programme also encourages widespread download and use of the Damini Lightning Alert App to help communities receive timely lightning alerts and take appropriate protective action.
Project Damini reinforces the shared commitment of the Government of Madhya Pradesh, UNICEF, and DMI to building disaster-resilient communities through preparedness, early warning systems, and community engagement.
The programme concluded with the collective commitment of all stakeholders to ensure that every warning reaches the last mile and that no life is lost to a preventable lightning strike.
Dignitaries including Sai Krishna Thota, IPS, Superintendent of Police, Narmadapuram; Neetu Mahendra Yadav, President, Municipal Corporation, Narmadapuram; Anil Jain, Additional District Magistrate; Rajesh Kumar Shukla, Additional District Magistrate; Babita Rathore, Deputy Collector were also present.
