Delhi issues advisory on locusts: keep doors, windows closed

After swarms of crop-destroying desert locusts reached the outskirts of Delhi on Saturday, the city government directed the district magistrates to make all possible arrangements to distract them. The Delhi government has 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 the locusts. An advisory issued by the Delhi development commissioner said residents 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. It asked 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.