500ql of wood burnt to curb pollution

Lucknow: A nine day long Maha Yagya is being held in Meerut district to reduce pollution. The Maha Yagya, which began on Sunday, is being conducted by 350 Brahmins from Varanasi.

Organised by the Shri Ayutchandi Mahayagya Samiti, the Maha Yagya will burn more than 500 quintals of mango wood in the 108 ‘Havan kunds’ that have been built on the Bhainsali ground. Apart from wood, about 100 quintals of black sesame seeds, 60 quintals of rice, 30 quintals of barley and 150 quintals of ghee will be used in the Maha Yagya.

Girish Bansal, vice-president, Shri Ayutchandi Mahayagya Samiti, told reporters that “The Hindu religion believes that yagya leads to purification of air. There is no scientific evidence to prove this because no research has been done so far. However, this city will see that the air turns pure once the yagya is complete”.

Mr Gyanendra Agarwal, president of the Samiti said, “Mango wood burnt after pouring pure ghee does not cause pollution. We are also adding sesame seeds, rice and barley to aid the purification process. According to a scientific report, the Ozone layer above our country is not damaged because of frequent yagya”.

Mr R.K. Tyagi, regional officer of UPPCB in Meerut, however, said that “Burning of such large quantities of wood would definitely increase pollution in the air.”