Udupi-Chikmagalur bypoll counting begins

March 21, 2012

Bangalore, March 21: Counting for the March 18 bypolls to Udupi-Chikmagalur Lok Sabha seat has begun on Tuesday morning.

With BJP government in Karnataka facing turmoil, there is intense anticipation and anxiety in ruling and Opposition Congress circles over the outcome of the bypolls.

Tight security arrangements have been made for the counting. About 66 per cent of 12.53 lakh electorate had cast their votes. The bypolls has become a prestigious battle for BJP, particularly Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda, who had vacated the seat upon his elevation as chief minister.

Congress is trying to revive its electoral fortunes in the state. Former MLA, V Sunil Kumar of BJP has been locked in a fierce contest with Congress's K Jayaprakash Hegde. Bojegowda of JDS is also in the fray.

As many as eight halls of TA Pai English Medium School, are being be used for the purpose of counting.

Superintendent of Police Dr Boralingaiah M B said that around 200 civil police personnel including senior police officials have been deployed for the purpose.

As many as four platoons of Karnataka State Reserve Police (KSRP) and additional forces from District Armed Reserve (DAR) have also been stationed at the venue.

This is the second bypoll being held in the state after Gowda assumed office. BJP was mauled in the byelection to Bellary Rural Assembly seat last year, which was won by independent B Sreeramulu, who was not long ago a key leader of the ruling party before falling out with it.

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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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