Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday, 28 August, took social media by storm once again for saying that ducks “automatically” increase oxygen levels in water bodies. Only this time, he was right.
In his address at an inaugural event of a traditional boat race in Rudrasagar, Deb additionally proposed to distribute 50,000 ducklings to fisherman living near the artificial lake to help improve the rural economy, The Indian Express reported.
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.Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb, as quoted by Indian Express
The CM also eased the worries of of landless villagers, and said that land was not required 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.Tripura CM Biplab Kumar Deb
Politicians Slam Deb’s Remarks
The Tripura CM's comments received backlash from Tweeple and politicians alike.
Mihir Lal Roy of the Tripura Vigyan Mancha dismissed Deb's comments as loose talk without any scientific basis, The Indian Express said.
Tripura Pradesh Congress Tapas Dey also criticised the chief minister’s comments. Dey said that a serious policy suggestion involving the livelihood of thousands of people should be made on the basis of proper scientific evidence.
Study Supports Deb’s Statement
Interestingly, a study on integrated fish-duck farming published by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) argues that ducks aerate the water while swimming, thus being called “biological aerators”. A 2012 study published by The Hindu reiterates the claims through a case study in Kerala on the integrated farming method.
Some Twitter users were quick to point it out.
Tweeples Poke Fun At Tripura CM
Others, however, poked fun at the latest in a series of gaffes made by the chief minister since he took office in April this year.
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