Locusts from Pakistan swarm India, Rajasthan worst-hit

After locusts swarmed from Pakistan into Indian states, the country has been put on high alert to save the vegetation. The central government is also coordinating with states to control locust attack.

Jaipur (Rajasthan): India has been put on high alert to tackle the invasion of locusts into Indian states. The development comes after locusts swarms from Pakistan have entered Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana and Madhya Pradesh posing a serious threat to cotton crops and vegetables.

"Rajasthan is the worst-hit state as sixteen out of thirty-three districts are severely affected. This year, locusts have entered India earlier than usual. However, states are taking up measures to battle intense locust attack", said Gaurav Khare, Spokesperson of Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.

READ: HC refuses to entertain plea to direct Delhi govt to disclose total COVID-19 deaths

Khare added, "Around 2 lakh hectares of the land area is likely to be affected due to locust invasion. States have sought immediate help from the Centre".

"Centre has provided spray vehicles, drones and helicopters for spraying pesticides to the affected states. The Central Government is also coordinating with states to control locust attack before the sowing of Kharif crops begins in June. Haryana and Punjab have put their districts bordering Rajasthan on high alert", he said.