Caterpillar invasion turns life miserable for Odisha villagers

In an unusual incident, residents of Jhadeshwar Colony under Ward No. 14 of the Anandapur Municipality in Keonjhar district are facing severe distress due to the outbreak of a different species of caterpillar that has infested homes and surrounding areas.

As per reports, the insects are found everywhere-on house walls, doors, and courtyards-making daily life miserable for residents. People say they are unable to breathe peacefully inside their homes, nor can they eat or sleep properly. The problem has persisted for a long time, causing continuous harassment of the local population.

Every morning, lakhs of these insects emerge and spread across the area. They have also damaged kitchen gardens, devouring vegetable plants grown by residents in their courtyards. Despite repeated attempts using various methods to kill or drive away the insects, their numbers show no sign of decrease.

Frustrated and helpless, local residents have appealed to the administration to intervene and provide immediate assistance to address the growing menace.

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"We are facing serious problems due to the caterpillar infestation. Despite repeated concerns, the administration has not taken any effective steps to address the issue. We earnestly request the authorities to take immediate and necessary measures so that normal life can be restored," said a local resident.

"We are unable to live inside our house due to a severe caterpillar infestation. These insects have made it impossible for us to eat or sleep peacefully. Despite spraying medicines, the caterpillars are not being destroyed. We are very poor and helpless, and the situation has become unbearable for our family," rued another local resident.