First time in India, helicopter used to kill locusts in Jaisalmer

JAISALMER: For the first time in India, a helicopter was used to destroy locusts in the border areas in Jaisalmer district on Saturday. The chopper, belonging to a private company, took off from police line and neutralised the insects in Bandha area. An MI-17 helicopter of Indian Air Force (IAF) will also be used to kill the pests.
Locust control department officer in Jaisalmer Dr Rajesh Kumar said that the chopper reached here from Uttarlai in Barmer and was sent to locust-affected areas with 250 litres of pesticide. The chopper can spray 250 litres of pesticides in a 50-hectare area. It can spray from both sides and as per the agreement with the company, it is compulsory for 100 hours of flying in 60 days, he said.
Kumar said on Saturday, locusts were destroyed over 50 hectares in 65RD in Bandha area. The villagers were directed to stay away from the pesticide spraying areas. They were also told to keep cattle in safe places. On Sunday, locusts will be destroyed in other areas by the helicopter, he said.
Kumar also said that to destroy locusts, the IAF and Union agriculture ministry have inked an agreement. The IAF is modifying three MI-17 helicopters for the purpose. One of the helicopters will reach Jaisalmer. This helicopter can spray 800 litres of pesticides over 750 hectares in just 40 minutes, he said.
Kumar said, 55 new vehicles with sprayer pump have reached Jaisalmer and 15 out of 60 machines from London too have reached Rajasthan of which many have reached Jaisalmer through which locusts are being controlled.
On Saturday, there were reports about locust attacks in Chandan, Dhaisar, Bandha, etc., on which immediate action was taken to destroy them.
In Video:Rajasthan: Helicopter deployed in Jaisalmer for locust control operation