Massive Locust Attack! Swarms of Desert Locusts Reach Delhi after Gurugram; UP on High Alert

Terrifying swarms of crop-destroying desert locusts have reached Gurugram and outskirts of Delhi after the administration issued a fresh alert of locust attack. As per reports, a swarm of locusts were seen covering the sky near the Cyber Hub area of Gurugram while Delhi's Chhatrapur is also reported to be under the massive attack.

Moreover, the state government of Haryana and UP have issued a high alert after locusts entered Rewari and Gurugram districts. All necessary measures have been taken, including deploying tractor-mounted spraying facilities, says the office of the state government.

As per reports, Delhi Environment Minister Gopal Rai has called an emergency meeting to discuss panic situation following the locust attack in neighbouring Gurugram. The minister also directed the administration to be alert, says the official.

"As per the information we're getting, the swarms of locusts are headed towards Palwal (in Haryana). But a small portion has entered Jasola and Bhati (at Delhi border). An instruction has been issued to beat dhols and drums. This is a way to ward them off, the government will issue an advisory on this," Mr Rai said after the meeting.

The District Magistrates of South, West and South-West districts in Delhi have been asked to be on high alert.

Gurugram residents were last evening asked to keep their windows shut as a precaution against a locust attack by the city administration as a swarm was sighted in an adjoining district.

The administration has asked residents to make clanging noises by beating utensils toward the insects off, say reports.

Destroyed Crops in Many Parts of the Country

"Farmers must also keep their pumps (for insecticide spray) ready so that they can be used when needed," the Gurugram administration had said.

Massive locusts attack has been destroying crops in many parts of the country, spearing into Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab now, after Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana.