LWO blames Pak for not clearing locust breeding grounds

JAIPUR: The Locust Warning Organization (LWO), a body under the ministry of agriculture, has blamed Pakistan for not eliminating insects’ biggest breeding grounds in Baluchistan, which is responsible for their movement in far-flung areas like Jaipur.
The LWO has warned of similar attacks in urban areas like Jaipur in the coming days by the locusts originated in Baluchistan. The fresh wave of locusts is 10-12 days old by the time they cross international border in search of food. It has entered 18 districts in Rajasthan and four districts, each in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, as recorded by the LWO.
Meanwhile, deputy chief whip, Mahendra Chaudhary demanded compensation from chief minister Ashok Gehlot for the damage caused by the locusts in several parts of the state, on Tuesday. In a letter he urged the CM to provide immediate relief to the farmers who have suffered due to the menace.
“The recent wave of locusts in the eighteen districts of Rajasthan is the result of Pakistan’s failure in containing them at the place of origin. They are immature locusts which soon after their birth crosses India via Sind border and continues to travel for thousands of kilometre till they find crops to feed on,” said K L Gurjar, director of the LWO, based in Jodhpur.
India is holding a virtual meet with its Pakistan counterparts to review the situation on the movement of locusts on May 28. “It has been communicated to the senior officials that the problem can be reduced only if Pakistan can carry out operations in its breeding areas,” said Gurjar.
Their movement can be stopped only if it can be contained in a particular area or kill them by using chemicals. Once they move into urban areas, the authorities become helpless as they cannot use chemicals which could be dangerous for the human populace.