Delhi Pollution: BJP minister suggests 'yajna' to please Lord Indra
What's the story
As the national capital gasps for air, an Uttar Pradesh minister has made a shocking statement. Calling the criticism of stubble burning an "attack on Farmers," UP Minister Sunil Bharala suggested that the government should do a 'yajna' to impress the Hindu Lord Indra. Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality remained severe today, resulting in schools being shut and 32 flights being canceled.
Details
'Stubble burning doesn't cause pollution. It's natural'
Speaking to ANI, Bharala, Chairman of the Minister of State Labor Welfare Council (UP), said, "Farmers have always practiced stubble burning. When stubble is burnt, it doesn't lead to much pollution, because it's natural. So, the repeated criticism of stubble burning is unfortunate." He added, "The government should organize a Yajna to please Lord Indra, who will cause rainfall, and everything will be fine."
Twitter Post
You can watch the video statement here
#WATCH Uttar Pradesh minister Sunil Bharala: 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. pic.twitter.com/EcImGAbVrl
— ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) November 3, 2019
Pollution
Stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana lead to pollution in Delhi
Bharala's remarks come at a time when Delhi's air quality index (AQI) docked at 625 on Sunday morning. Stubble burning in the neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana is said to contribute to Delhi's pollution during this time of the year. Officials reported that over 22,000 cases of stubble burning have been observed in Punjab and 4,200 incidents in Haryana in recent times.
Information
32 flights diverted to nearby cities amid heavy smog
The situation has become so dire that 32 flights had been diverted from Delhi Airport to nearby cities as the national capital was enveloped by a thick blanket of smog. Schools have also been ordered shut till Tuesday in Delhi, Noida, and Greater Noida.
History
Last year, Yajna was organized to 'reduce pollution' in Meerut
However, Bharala wouldn't be the first person to believe that a Yajna can fix pollution. Last year, Shri Ayutchandi Mahayagya Samiti organized a nine-day 'mahayajna' in Meerut, burning 500 quintals of mango wood in a bid to "reduce pollution." Samiti President Gyanendra Agarwal had then claimed that mango wood purifies the air. The group invited 350 Brahmins from Varanasi for the 'mahayajna'.