Locust Attack: Delhi On High Alert As Insects Swarm In From Neighbouring Gurugram

New Delhi: Delhi was on high alert after swarms of crop-destroying locusts reached the outskirts of the national capital from Gurugram on Saturday.

The Arvind Kejriwal-headed AAP government swung into action and asked all district magistrates to make arrangements to distract the desert locusts.

They have been directed to coordinate with the fire department for spraying of pesticides and insecticides to prevent a possible attack of the locusts, and also deploy adequate staff to make villagers and residents aware of the threat.

The Delhi development commissioner advised residents that they can distract the locusts by making high-decibel sound through beating of drums and utensils, playing high-volume music, bursting crackers and burning neem leaves.

Delhi residents were urged to keep doors and windows closed and cover outdoor plants with plastic sheets.

“Swarms of locusts usually fly in daytime and rest during 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,” stated the advisory.

Residents of Gurugram posted pictures of massive clusters of the insects covering the sky on Saturday morning. The locusts attacked farms and houses in Chhatarpur before reaching Asola Bhatti area in south Delhi.

Locust swarms have attacked and destroyed crops in various states like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh over the last few months.

Odisha was also under threat but has so far been unaffected.