Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kr Deb has become synonymous with controversial statements. In yet another gaffe, Biplab Kumar Deb claimed ducks recycle water, and their swimming increase oxygen levels in water bodies.
Deb said he wants to distribute ducks among villagers in the state because he believes they will boost the rural economy. He made that statement at an inaugural event of a traditional boat race at Rudrasagar, an artificial lake around water palace Neermahal.
The Chief Minister told the audience that he planned to distribute 50,000 ducklings to fishermen who lived near the lake. He said that white ducklings would also be distributed to villagers across Tripura, especially at tourist destinations near waterbodies, to enhance natural beauty and boost the rural economy.
Then, Deb explained why it was beneficial to have ducks.
“When ducks swim in water, oxygen level automatically increases in the waterbody. It (oxygen) gets recycled. Fish in the water will get more oxygen. They also benefit from the bird droppings. Thus, pisciculture will benefit and fishes will grow faster, that too in a completely organic way”, Deb said.
In his speech, the Tripura chief minister said he wants every family to rear four to five ducks. Rearing ducks will help meet all the protein and vitamin requirements of children in the family, he said.
Deb claimed the rearing of ducks and poultry was a part of the old village culture, which was damaged during the 25 years of CPM-led Left Front rule. He defended his comments saying the CPM leaders would force people to attend their rallies, which were held frequently.
The CM also told landless villagers not to worry about not having land for duck rearing.
“You don’t need to have land for rearing ducks. The government will distribute white ducklings to you. Rear them in Rudrasagar. It will be a great attraction to see thousands of white ducks swimming in the lake”, he said, reports The Indian Express.
Earlier this year, Deb made a series of gaffes. The Tripura chief minister claimed that ancient Indians had access to the internet and artificial satellites in the age of the Mahabharata. He claimed Gautam Buddha walked over the sea to Japan and former Miss World Diana Hayden was unworthy of being a beauty pageant winner