Udupi DC doubts authenticity of 'obscene' footage of Island Festival

February 7, 2012

Udupi, February 7: Deputy Commissioner Dr. M.T. Reju has downplayed the allegations of vulgarism and obscenity during the three-day festival at the St. Mary's Island off Malpe, but said he would seek a report from the police department and the excise department on the matter.

The “Island Festival” held from February 3 to 5, has came under severe criticism from some political parties, for the alleged use of drugs, free flow of alcohol, and other obscenities. A day after the festival was over State-level Kannada television channels telecast blurred visuals of the alleged obscenities adding fuel to the fire.

However, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Reju insisted that contrary to what was portrayed in the media, it was a music festival and not a rave party. The proceedings of the festival were watched by 20 policemen and 10 members of Excise Department for three days round-the-clock, he said.

Asked about the clippings being shown repeatedly on television channels, he said the clippings shown on the television might not be from the Island. “The authenticity of the clippings is questionable”, he said.

“The proceedings of the festival were not videographed. But we would ask the clippings from the media. We will check the authenticity of the clippings. We will question the organisers of the festival and blacklist them and take action against them if they are found guilty,” he said.

“Next year, if at all such a festival is held, it will not be like this. We will promote Indian bands”, Mr. Reju said.

Meanwhile, members of the Udupi Zilla Nagarika Samiti staged a protest against the use of drugs, free flow of alcohol, and alleged obscenities during the “Island Festival” at the Car Street here. The samiti took out a procession from the Kanakadasa Road, which culminated at the Car Street.

Samiti general secretary Nithyananda Volakadu said that in the name of promoting tourism, obscenities had been promoted at the festival. The Government should take action against the Deputy Commissioner for allowing such a festival.

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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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