Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb is known for his baffling commentary on science and technology. His latest gem came on Monday while attending an event in the state, when he said that ducks, while swimming, will automatically increase oxygen levels in water bodies. Lord love a duck!
His statement didn't go down well with netizens who took no time to term him a strange duck!
While addressing the inaugural event of a boat race at Rudrasagar, the chief minister said he plans to distribute around 50,000 ducklings to fishermen who live near the lake and other villages.
The aim was not only natural beauty and rural economy. “When ducks swim in water, oxygen level automatically increases in the water body. 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, reportedly, said.
He went on to claim that children would greatly benefit from additional protein and vitamin supplements if every family in the area kept at least five ducks.
The chief minister's remarks drew flak from various quarters including his political opponents—the Congress and the CPI(M).
“It is true that water bodies get aerated if there is movement in the water. But there is no scientific evidence that swimming ducks can do the job,” said Mihir Lal Roy of the Tripura Juktibad Vikas Mancha, an organisation that works for the propagation of scientific thought.
Deb had hit headlines recently after he allegedly said civil engineers are best suited to enter the civil services. His series of gaffes also include 'internet in the age of Mahabharata', 'Buddha walking over the sea to Japan' and how Miss World Diana Hayden is unworthy of being a beauty pageant winner.