Cong will win Udupi- Chikmaglur bypoll: Motamma

January 29, 2012

Karkala, January 29: Leader of Opposition in the legislative council Motamma has said that Congress would win the by polls in Udupi- Chikmaglur Loksabha constituency.

In an informal chat with media persons, she opined that the people were happy with Union Government's special package for coffee growers other pro-people programmes like employment guarantee scheme.

Stating that the BJP government has failed on all fronts, she said, the drinking water scarcity and housing and development sectors have suffered a lot and the government has also failed to tackle the power problem in the last three years.

She said that Kannadigas are upset with the BJP government. Claiming that the public opinion is against the BJP government, she said the BJP high command has 'no command' over the party leaders.

“The delay in the cabinet expansion has further proved that all is not well in the government which is divided as Yeddyurappa and Sadananda Gowda loyalists” she said. Few Ministers like Renukacharya had made remarks against BJP state president K S Eshwarappa. She asked the Chief Minister to dissolve the assembly and seek fresh mandate. The government has failed to tackle drought situation in Bijapur, Kadur and other areas.

“The government has not given ration cards to BPL families. The BJP had managed to win bypolls by using money and muscle power and caste card”, she said.

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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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