DD Correspondent
Jammu, An advanced Electric Field Mill has been installed in the Department of Geology at the University of Jammu to strengthen monitoring and research on thunderstorms, lightning, and associated natural hazards across the region.
The installation is part of a collaborative research project titled “Dynamics of Thunderstorms and Lightning,” sponsored by the National Centre for Earth Science Studies (NCESS), Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, under the Mission Mausam programme. The initiative is a joint effort led by Dr. Unnikrishnan C. K., Scientist, NCESS, and Prof. S. K. Pandita, Director, Disaster Management Centre, University of Jammu.
The instrument will enable continuous monitoring of atmospheric electric fields and generate critical data to better understand the development and evolution of severe weather events. These observations will significantly contribute to local disaster risk reduction and public safety efforts.
Taking advantage of Dr. Unnikrishnan’s presence on campus, an interactive lecture was organized for the first batch of postgraduate students of Disaster Management.
Prof. S. K. Pandita formally introduced the guest speaker to the students and provided Dr. Unnikrishnan with an overview of the Disaster Management Centre and its academic objectives.
Dr. Unnikrishnan delivered a comprehensive lecture on the science of thunderstorms, lightning mechanisms, associated safety measures, and the working principles of the newly installed Electric Field Mill. He discussed actionable strategies to mitigate lightning-related hazards, appreciated the students’ active engagement, and offered them opportunities to pursue dissertation research at NCESS.
At the conclusion of the lecture, Dr. Yudhbir Singh, Associate Professor, presented the formal vote of thanks to Dr. Unnikrishnan on behalf of the University of Jammu.
The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening atmospheric research capabilities at the University while equipping students with practical knowledge of geoscience and disaster management.
