Grasshoppers, rats invasion alarms Nagaland administration

Kohima, Jul 08 (UNI) The Nagaland government has alerted the concerned departments following unusual proliferation of rodents and grasshoppers in several parts of the state and an Action Plan has been chalked to fight the menace.

Official sources said here today that in a high-level meeting convened yesterday by state Chief Secretary Lalhuma, issues pertaining to multiplication of rodents following bamboo flowering, which were inflicting damage on crops and vegetation in some villages of Peren district, were discussed.

The meeting, which was attended by almost all departmental heads, also had discourses on the unsual proliferation of grasshoppers, which originated from Kohima and gradually spread to all parts of the state.

Mr Lalhuma had suggested taking up multi-disciplinary action, involving agriculture, veterinary and animal husbandry, horticulture, forest, home and rural development departments.

He also underscored the need for survey in the most affected areas of Jalukie under Peren district, where rats wrought havoc.

Mr Lalhuma said even though no damage was reported from any part of the state, the matter called for urgent need to take measures.

State Principal Secretary Alemtemshi Jamir said every department, particularly the Agriculture and its allied departments, should be active in dealing with the situation.

It was concluded in the meeting that two state-level teams would be formed to assess the onslaught of rodents and grasshoppers, the sources said.

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