Mr. Deb has been stirring controversies since he became the Chief Minister of the first BJP-led government in Tripura in March.

Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Tuesday said ducks help recycle water and increase oxygen levels in water bodies besides boosting the rural economy.

Addressing an inaugural event of a traditional boat race at Rudrasagar, an artificial lake about 50 km from State capital Agartala, he announced that he would distribute 50,000 ducklings of local species to fishermen who live nearby and other villagers across Tripura.

“When 50,000 white ducks swim in water, they will look beautiful and increase oxygen levels in the water bodies,” Mr. Deb said. This, he added, will help the fish get more oxygen. He also said droppings of the ducks would make the fish grow faster organically.

However experts in Tripura said there is no scientific evidence to attribute the aeration job to swimming ducks, although they agree that movement does aerate water bodies.

Mr. Deb also criticised the previous Left Front government for damaging old village culture of rearing ducks and poultry. The CPI(M) quickly reacted and commented that it was expected of Mr. Deb to make outlandish observations.

Mr. Deb has been stirring controversies since he became the Chief Minister of the first BJP-led government in Tripura in March. He had a couple of months ago said Indians had access to the internet and artificial satellites during the time of Mahabharata. He had also claimed the Buddha walked over the sea to Japan and Diana Hayden did not deserve her Miss World crown.