Locust attack: Govt puts all districts on high alert
The Delhi government on Saturday put all districts on high alert and asked the district magistrates to coordinate with the fire department for spraying of pesticides and insecticides to prevent a possible attack of crop-destroying locusts in the national capital, after their swarms descended on neighbouring Gurugram. An advisory issued by the Delhi development commissioner said that residents can distract the locusts by making high-decibel sound thorough beating of drums, utensils; playing high-volume music, bursting crackers, and burning neem leaves. The advisory asked the people to keep doors and windows closed and cover outdoor plants with plastic sheets.
The district magistrates have also been advised to deploy adequate staff to make villagers and residents aware of these measures. “Swarms of locusts usually fly in the daytime and rest during the night. Therefore, they should not be allowed to rest during night time,” it read.
“Night spray of malathion or chlorpyrifos is useful. PPE kits may be used while spraying for safety, the advisory said. Earlier, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai chaired an emergency meeting of senior officials where he was informed that swarms have also reached the Asola Bhatti area in South Delhi. He asked district authorities to remain on high alert. The forest department was directed to take various steps to repel the swarms of locusts, the official said.
He also asked officials of the agriculture department to make field visits to areas close to Gurugram. The development secretary, divisional commissioner, director, agriculture department and district magistrates of South Delhi and West Delhi attended the meeting, the official said.