Lucknow, Nov 3 (IANS): A Uttar Prasdesh minister has suggested a unique solution to the health emergency caused by pollution. The minister believes that a 'yagna' will please Lord Indra, who would help reduce pollution by bringing rainfall.

UP minister Sunil Bharala's comments came at a time when Delhi, parts of western and central Uttar Pradesh are under the grip of one of the worst air quality with the AQI level in most places is either in 'very poor' or in 'severe' category.

Bharala said stubble burning is a natural process and does not cause pollution to such an extent.

"Farmers have always practiced stubble burning and it is a natural process. Repeated criticism of it is unfortunate," he said.

The UP minister suggested praying to Lord Indra will help combat pollution.

"Governments should hold 'Yagya' to please Lord Indra (God of rain), as it has been done traditionally. Lord Indra will set things right," said Bharala who is chairman of labour welfare board and enjoys the status of a state minister.

Stubble burning is considered one of the major reasons behind pollution. Over 22,000 cases of stubble burning have been witnessed in Punjab and more than 4,200 incidents in Haryana in the recent days, official sources said.

The minister added that when the farmers cultivate sugarcane and other crops, such wastes are bound to generate and criticising them for burning the wastes is an attack on them.