UK High Commissioner endorses Karnataka's climate change, green energy initiatives

News Network

November 20, 2020

Bengaluru, Nov 20: UK Deputy High Commissioner Jan Thompson lauded the Karnataka government's effort to become a leading state in tackling climate change and rapid adoption of green energy.

Speaking at the ongoing Bengaluru Tech Summit 2020, he said that it is interesting to note that Karnataka is leading the green initiative in India with more EVs on the road, more charging stations and moving towards green energy.

“We have initiated more partnerships with the Karnataka government, especially for electric vehicle ecosystem building and also reducing pollution. We're also doing a green fund for more investment in the tech startup in climate change and green energy", she added.

Jan Thompson also lauded the city-level partnership with Bengaluru for its Clean Air Testbed Drive initiative on Church Street to reduce pollution.

“We don't have to scale up to green-tech, but at an industrial level, but at an individual level too and a cleaner development path. Green-tech also helps us have a sustainable and prosperous future", she said.

Commenting on the UK's initiative, she said during fiscal 2020 the country has halved emission and made sense economically. Besides planning to hold the UN Climate Change Conference in 2026, she also highlighted the UK's continuing action and cooperation with India.

Speaking at a panel discussion, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister C N Ashwathnarayan said Karnataka is recognized as the 'Startup Capital' and 'Innovation Capital' of the nation and the home of the Silicon Valley of India, Bengaluru.

“Karnataka is the undisputed leader in the country in sectors such as Information Technology, Machine Tools, Aerospace, Biotechnology, Electric Vehicles, and Electronics. I am delighted to say that Karnataka has also launched a number of initiatives aimed at promoting and increasing the use of green technology, ” he added.

The Minister highlighted the fact that Karnataka was the first state in India to introduce an electric vehicle policy to a battery-run green vehicle.

“The state is aiming for 100 per cent electric mobility in certain vehicle segments. Our capital city, Bengaluru, is home to e-mobility startups like AtherEnergy, SUN Mobility, NDS Eco Motors, Yulu and Mahindra Electric.”

He said that Pavagada Solar Park, developed in the Tumkur district is the largest solar park in the world and aims to shift its focus from conventional power resources to eco-friendly energy resources.

“The UK is one of our most important GIA partners, and we are indeed delighted to see our relationship strengthening over the years. The UK has been known for its startup and innovation strengths and achievements in Artificial Intelligence, Fintech, Regulatory Sandbox and Creative Tech among others. Karnataka and the UK will continue to work together to strengthen and grow our partnership", he added.

“Creative Tech, Data Science and AI and Regulatory Sandboxes will be the UK counterparts for Karnataka to work together for a few areas. I would like a successful session for the UK and looking forward to further strengthening our partnerships,” he added.

UK Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Lord Tariq Ahmad said, the impact of the global recovery on economies of scale is Covid-19, and this is the time to look to the future.

“We must take the opportunity and build back to create a world that is green, clean and sustainable. COP26 at the Global Action Plan to Mobilize India is the lead by example for both of us,” said Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon.

Speaking at the debate, Deputy High Commissioner Karnataka & Kerala Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford said the application of green technology is at the heart of the UK's ambition to build back from the current Covid crisis.

"The UK and India will be key to addressing climate change issues and safeguarding the future of the planet," said Jeremy Pilmore-Bedford.

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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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