Tripura, August 29: Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb's latest absurd comment that rearing ducks in the Rudrasagar lake will "automatically" increase oxygen levels in the water body is getting support. Speaking at the inaugural event of a traditional boat race in Rudrasagar, he said that the government would be providing 50,000 white ducklings to villagers for rearing in the water body. The move, he added, will provide pisciculture benefits as bird droppings will help the fishes to grow organically. Biplab Deb at it Again: 'Rearing Ducks Will Raise Oxygen Levels in Water Bodies'; List of 'Absurd' Statements by Tripura CM

"When ducks swim in water, oxygen level automatically increases in the waterbody. It (oxygen) gets recycled. Fish in the water will get more oxygen," the Tripura CM was quoted as saying by The Indian Express.

There are officials defending Deb's statement and trying to justify that there is indeed a scientific angle to it. Sanjay Mishra, OSD to Tripura CM said, "This isn't the 1st time that such controversy has erupted over the CM's speech. Those present at the spot understood what he's saying and didn't start a controversy but those not present there did. This has been happening to tarnish his image. "

He further added "A research by Chhattisgarh's Indira Gandhi Agriculture University states that when ducks swim, atmospheric phosphate and other minerals are created which helps in growth of green algae, the primary source of generation of oxygen in the water. Ducks are considered useful for that purpose since ancient time. There is scientific evidence of the same. There's an organisation, the professor of which did research which states ducks aerate when they swim which cleans water surface. They're biological aerators."

"Duck-fish farming is integrated farming, their excreta helps the growth of fish. Ducks are natural aerators and help in increasing oxygen level and DEO can also be increased. This has been proved through studies", as said by A Debbarma, Scientist Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education to ANI.

This is not the first time that Deb has made such an irrational statement that is drawing flak. From saying that internet existed from the days of Mahabharata to sharing his expert views on Diana Hayden bagging the Miss World title,  Tripura CM is in the habit of creating unnecessary controversies.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 29, 2018 09:30 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).