LAHORE: Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has sought assessment of the losses caused by the outbreak of locust and announced release of Rs1bn funds to counter it and to protect crops.

He also allowed the use of his helicopter for locust surveillance in the affected districts while presiding over a meeting to review anti-locust steps during a meeting on Friday.

Buzdar issued directions to the Agriculture Department and the Pakistan Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) for locust surveillance and staying vigilant round-the-clock to stop the usual spread of the insect.

He said the Punjab government had provided Rs1bn for anti-locust operation and aerial spray was being carried out in collaboration with the federal government to save crops from the attack.

The CM said measures should continue to be taken to deal with any possible locust attack in June and July.

He sought daily locust surveillance submitted to his office and sharing of the Punjab experiences with other provinces.

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2020