State govt mulls banning 'Made-Made Snana'

Bangalore, December 6: BJP Government in Karnataka is mulling a ban on "made snana", an annual religious ritual in which people roll on leftover food consumed by Brahmins to fulfill vow at a famous temple in the state, in view of protests by various Dalit outfits against the practice.

Announcing this, Social Welfare Minister A Narayanaswamy told reporters here that he had directed the department officials to submit in next four days a report on the practice, observed at the famous Kukke Subrahmanya temple during 'shashti' festivities in Dakshina Kannada district.

Leaders of various Dalit organisations have been demanding a ban on "made snana" saying it hurt Dalit sentiments.

They contend that such customs were increasingly being used to subjugate Dalits and they were foisted on them in the name of tradition.

After getting a detailed report, the government would take a decision on the matter, Narayanaswamy said.

More than 2,000 devotees took part in the ritual on the concluding day of three-day festival held at the temple on November 30. The ritual is held as part of a vow for fulfillment of wishes.

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Respiratory illnesses rise in Karnataka’s capital as air quality deteriorates

News Network

February 5,2026

Bengaluru: As air quality continues to worsen across several parts of the city, hospitals in Bengaluru are reporting a steady rise in patients suffering from respiratory illnesses such as asthma, bronchitis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), health officials and doctors said.

Data from the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST) shows that 3,891 patients received treatment for respiratory ailments between April and November 2024. The figure rose to 4,187 during the same period in 2025.

Private hospitals, too, are witnessing a 10–15 per cent year-on-year increase in such cases.

While doctors caution that the rise cannot be attributed solely to air pollution, a significant number of patients are non-smokers with no prior history of respiratory disease.

“Nearly 70 per cent of the patients we see are non-smokers with no previous respiratory issues. When other causes are ruled out, air pollution emerges as the most likely factor,” said Dr Manjunath PH, consultant interventional pulmonologist at a hospital in Kengeri.

Doctors noted that patient footfall spikes during the winter months and around Deepavali, when air quality typically worsens.

“There is a clear correlation between poor air quality and the rise in cases. People commonly present with persistent cough, breathlessness and irritation of the respiratory tract, indicating the impact of polluted air on their health,” said Dr Sheetal Chaurasia, consultant in pulmonary medicine at a private hospital in Whitefield.

Dr Chaurasia added that respiratory tract infections are also on the rise.

“Poor air quality leads to chronic airway inflammation, making the airways more vulnerable to infections. We are seeing an increase in both upper and lower respiratory tract infections,” she said.

Patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions remain the worst affected.

“For those already diagnosed with respiratory illnesses, deteriorating air quality significantly worsens the condition. Both the frequency and severity of attacks increase sharply,” said Dr Vandana P, a pulmonologist at a hospital on Bannerghatta Road.

Doctors also flagged a worrying trend of rising respiratory problems among younger adults and children.

To reduce exposure, they advised people to wear masks while travelling on two-wheelers or autos and ensure adequate ventilation at home to minimise indoor air pollution.

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