The Three-Day International Lightning Conference on Social Justice in Building Resilience of the Most Vulnerable Communities is a landmark event that focuses on addressing the multifaceted issue of lightning-related threats in India. Jointly organized by the Climate Resilient Observing Systems Promotion Council (CROPC) and the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, the conference seeks to bring together experts, policymakers, scientists, and community leaders. Through collaborative discussions, this event aims to strengthen India's ability to mitigate the devastating impact of lightning, especially on the most vulnerable populations, who are disproportionately affected.

Lightning strikes pose a serious threat across India's diverse landscape, with rural areas often facing the most severe consequences. These communities, due to socio-economic vulnerabilities and limited access to early warning systems, are at a heightened risk. Over the past few years, significant advances have been made in forecasting, early warning, and community awareness regarding lightning strikes. However, challenges remain in extending this knowledge and technology to local contexts, where the topography, weather patterns, and socio-economic conditions vary widely. Each state in India faces unique circumstances, and the ability to adapt lightning resilience strategies to these varying conditions is crucial.

A central theme of the conference is the integration of social justice with resilience-building efforts. Vulnerable populations such as agricultural workers, women, and children in rural areas often bear the brunt of natural disasters like lightning strikes. These communities not only suffer from direct loss of life and property but also experience long-term socio-economic consequences. Hence, resilience must not be seen solely as a technical or infrastructural challenge but also as a deeply human one. Ensuring that the most vulnerable are empowered with the knowledge, resources, and tools to protect themselves is fundamental to the pursuit of social justice in disaster management.

The conference will delve into the complexities of lightning resilience, including the need for region-specific mitigation strategies. Scientific evaluations of local weather patterns, combined with socio-economic studies, will be key in crafting tailored solutions for each state. For instance, while some regions may require improved forecasting infrastructure, others may benefit more from community education programs or better housing designs that reduce lightning risk. Engaging local governments, NGOs, and community stakeholders in these discussions will ensure that the solutions proposed are grounded in practical realities and can be effectively implemented.

The Three-Day International Lightning Conference is not merely an academic exercise but a platform for action. It seeks to create a roadmap for policymakers and local authorities to implement concrete measures that will reduce the number of lightning-related fatalities and injuries across India. By fostering an inclusive dialogue that brings together diverse voices, the conference ensures that resilience-building efforts do not overlook the most vulnerable communities, and instead, prioritise them at the heart of the conversation.