Chances of locust attack high in these Odisha districts

Bhubaneswar: Chances of locust attack are high in Nabarangpur, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Malkangiri, Koraput, Rayagada, Jharsuguda, Sundargarh and Bargarh districts of Odisha, an official said today after a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik to review the state’s preparedness for tackling possible locust attack.

A swarm of locusts which had reached neighbouring Chhattisgarh state yesterday returned back to Madhya Pradesh, the official added.

It was decided at the meeting to keep a watch on the movement of locusts for next 10 days even as the insects were yet to reach Odisha. If required, Fire Service personnel will be engaged for spraying insecticide for locust control.

Control rooms have been setup at state and district levels for locust control. It was revealed at the meeting that text message to around 6.5 lakh farmers through WhatsApp and voice message to nearly 8 lakh farmers of Odisha will be sent for spreading awareness.