New Delhi, November 3: With Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal blaming stubble burning in north Indian states as the reason behind the deteriorating air quality in the national capital, a Minister of State in the Uttar Pradesh government has come out in defence of the farmers. Sunil Bharala, MoS in Labour Welfare Ministry, said the agrarian community is being erroneously blamed for a practice which they have been carrying out since ages.

The solution to air pollution menace lies in "Yagya" or the special puja to "please" Lord Indra, who according to the Hindu faith is the "God of Rains". If the practice of yagya is revived by the respective state governments, it is likely that the air quality will improve by the blessing of Lord Indra, he said. Delhi Air Pollution: Doctors Give Tips and Ways to Stay Safe From Severe Air Quality in NCR.

"Farmers have always practiced stubble burning, it's a natural system. Repeated criticism of it is unfortunate. Govts should hold 'Yagya' to please Lord Indra (God of rain), as done traditionally. He (Lord Indra) will set things right," Bharala added.

Watch Video of UP Minister Calling For 'Yagya' to Battle Air Pollution

The air quality index or AQI has worsened to alarming levels in Delhi, with the index crossing 999 mark at several places. The situation has been described as "alarming", with schools asked to remain closed in the national capital region till November 5.

Kejriwal has called upon Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar to convene an emergency meeting with the Chief Ministers of Haryana and Punjab, asking them to prevent the burning of stubble. During this season each year, farmers in northern India burn down the remains of their harvested crop to clear the land for fresh cultivation.

"All scientists and experts are saying that pollution from stubble burning is coming to Delhi, due to which there is pollution everywhere. We don't want to do any blame game, there should be no politics at this stage.All governments should come together and discuss the issue," he said.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 03, 2019 04:04 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).