MSEZ pipeline issue: Fishermen submit appeal to DC

March 26, 2012

Mangalore, March 26: Representatives of the Coastal Traditional Fishermen's Union submitted an appeal to Deputy Commissioner Chennappa Gowda on Monday, opposing the move by Mangalore Special Economic Zone authorities to lay an effluent discharge pipeline near Mukka.

Around 100 angry traditional fishermen had laid siege to a dredger and a tug used to tow it on Thursday, asking them to vacate the area and lay anchor on high seas and not to venture into the area till the matter was sorted out with the authorities concerned.

Following the protest, MSEZ authorities complained with the Deputy Commissioner as a result of which the DC had invited representatives of the Fishermen's Union to discuss the matter.

The fishermen are worried that as many as 5000 of them will be affected if the effluent discharge pipeline was laid.

The Deputy Commissioner in an attempt to pacify the fishermen offered to provide jobs and education facilities to fishermen to which many denied saying that there are many elderly fishermen who would not benefit from this offer. The Deputy Commissioner then offered to provide mechanized boats to them provided they invest part of the money required. One boat will be allotted to a group of 20 fishermen, as per the offer of the DC.

A decision will be taken by the Fishermen's Union after a meeting among its members, it is learnt.

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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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