Farmers give call for Karnataka Bandh on Sept 28

News Network

September 23, 2020

Bengaluru, Sept 23: A group of Farmers Associations, who were agitating against the state government to bring amendment to the Land Reforms Act and other issues, have decided to call for a 'Karnataka Bandh' on 28th of this month.

Speaking to newsmen here today, State Farmers Association president Nagendra informed that a decision had been taken to intensify the agitation against the anti-farmers policies being adopted by both the Union as well as the State Governments.

He said that while the members of the Farmers associations would stage dharna in Bengaluru on 25th of this month, a total bandh would be observed on 28th of this month.

However, the State Sugarcane Growers Association, president Kadabur Shanthakumar said that his Group of farmers are yet to take a decision on participating or supporting the September-28 State Bandh.

Informing that the members of the Sugarcane Growers Association will stage dharna on 25th of this month at all the District and Taluk Headquarters, he said that "A final decision on supporting State-Bandh is yet to be taken".

It may be recalled that various Farmers Association are holding dharna near Freedom Park in protest against the state government's decision to bring amendment to the Land Reforms Act as well as APMC Act, which according to them 'anti-farmers'.

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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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