Parts of Delhi on high alert fearing possible locust attack

Authorities have put parts of Delhi on high alert against a possible attack by crop-destroying locusts whose swarms descended on neighbouring Gurgaon in Haryana state, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

An advisory issued by the Delhi Development Commissioner said residents can distract the locusts by making high-decibel sound through beating of drums, utensils; playing high-volume music, bursting crackers, and burning neem leaves.

The advisory asked the people to keep doors and windows shut and cover outdoor plants with plastic sheets, the correspondent added.

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.

The forest department was directed to take various steps to repel the swarms of locusts, the official said.

The skies over many parts of Gurgaon turned dark as swarms of locusts descended on the city.

Agriculture Ministry said locust swarm was noticed in Jhunjhunu in Rajasthan on June 26 and control teams were deployed to eliminate the locusts. The leftover locusts regrouped and reached Rewari in Haryana yesterday evening where control operations were undertaken till early this morning.

Three groups of locusts also reached Gurugram and from there to Faridabad and onwards to Uttar Pradesh. Another locust swarm moved towards Dwarka locality in south west Delhi and from there to Gurugram, Faridabad and Uttar Pradesh.

Locust control operations are underway, the statement said adding ground control teams are constantly tracking them and will undertake major control operations once they settle down.