Meerut: In a rather strange move, members of Shri Ayutchandi Mahayagna Samiti in Meerut have decided to burn 500 quintals of mango wood in a nine-day-long ‘mahayagna’ to “reduce pollution”. A 125x125 square feet yagnashala (where priests sit to perform the rituals) has been prepared in Bhainsali ground here for the event starting March 18. It will also have 108 hawan kunds (where fire is lit) with 350 Brahmins performing the rituals. Officials of the pollution control board said burning such large quantities of wood will only contaminate the air further.

Girish Bansal, vice president, Shri Ayutchandi Mahayagna Samiti, said, “In Hinduism, it is believed that yagna leads to purification and removal of pollution. Mango wood burnt after pouring ghee made from cow milk helps in reducing pollution. There is no scientific evidence to it yet because no research has been done so far.” Bansal also said that only discarded old trees will be used for the purpose.

The yagna will be “complete” only after one crore oblations are made in the hawan kunds, said members.

Gyanendra Agarwal, president of the committee, said, “Mango wood that is burnt after pouring pure ghee does not form pollutants. It only purifies the air. According to a scientific report, the Ozone layer above our country is the least damaged because yagnas are done here frequently.”

R K Tyagi, regional officer of Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) in Meerut, said, “Burning of wood leads to pollution. But there is no policy under which a probe can be issued in the matter - so there is little that we can do.”