Housing scheme for endosulfan victims

February 14, 2012

Kasargod, February 14: The Thanal housing scheme for the victims of endosulfan was launched here on Monday. The scheme is being implemented by the Zilla Panchayat.

A demand draft for Rs.50 lakh to start the scheme works was handed over to 11 worst affected panchayats by P. Karunakaran, MP, at a function at the Collectorate on Monday.

While four grama panchayats will get Rs.3.75 lakh each, the seven others will get Rs.5 lakh each towards building houses under the scheme in the first phase, a release here said.

The total outlay of the Thanal Housing Scheme is Rs.1.10 crore and each beneficiary will get a house worth Rs.2.50 lakh.

The works are expected to be completed within a year, it said.

Addressing the function, Mr. Karunakaran said efforts should be given to free the district off the ill effects of endosulfan.

The MP promised funds from his local area development fund to the victims who were not enlisted in the housing scheme.

Zilla Panchayat president P.P. Shyamala Devi presided over the function.

K.Kunhiraman and N.A. Nellikunnu, MLAs, and Collector V.N. Jithendran and Sub-Collector P. Balkiran attended the function.

Comments

Add new comment

Coastaldigest.com reserves the right to delete or block any comments.
Coastaldigset.com is not responsible for its readers’ comments.
Comments that are abusive, incendiary or irrelevant are strictly prohibited.
Please use a genuine email ID and provide your name to avoid reject.

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.

Comments