The Punjab government has provided Rs 1 billion and aerial spray is being carried out, in collaboration with the federal government, to save crops from locust swarms.
Chief Minister Punjab Sardar Usman Buzdar chaired a meeting at his office here on Friday to review anti-locust steps being taken in the province.
Addressing the meeting, the CM announced to reserve his helicopter for locust surveillance in affected districts and issued necessary directions to the agriculture department and PDMA in this regard. He also directed the line departments to remain vigilant round-the-clock and every possible step be taken to stop the usual spread of locusts.
The CM ordered that steps be continued to deal with any possible locust attack in the months of June and July. I have reviewed the field situation during my visits to Rajanpur and Bhakkar districts. Over 300,000 acres have been sprayed and locusts' monitoring is in process in 17 affected districts. He directed that damages of locust attack be assessed and citizens, especially the farmers, be kept informed about the situation.
Moreover, provincial ministers Dr Yasmeen Rashid and Mian Mahmood-ur-Rasheed met with CM Sardar Usman Buzdar to discuss anti-coronavirus drive and future strategy.
The CM stated that six thousand and 338 coronavirus patients have been recovered and 927 new cases have been reported during the last 24 hours. Now, the number of patients is 22964 in Punjab and around 5400 have been tested during the last 24 hours.
The CM said the Punjab government has taken effective measures and the decision of closing educational institutions, marriage halls and cinemas was taken in the larger public interest.
While issuing directions to ensure strict compliance of anti-coronavirus arrangements, the CM also directed the line departments to get implement guidelines.
The CM also paid tributes to Dr Sana Fatima, who lost her life due to coronavirus and said she has set an example of bravery and sacrifice. "She is the pride of the medical profession and nation salutes her." He also extended sympathies to the bereaved family adding that doctors and paramedics are working on the frontline to overcome the coronavirus.