Dinesh Gundu Rao calls for all-electric public transport in Bengaluru to combat rising pollution
Bengaluru: Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has urged for a shift towards all-electric public transportation in Bengaluru, citing the severe impact of vehicle emissions on public health.
In a letter to Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Rao recommended that the city’s public transport system transition to electric vehicles as a crucial step to combat air pollution.
Rao stated that all government buses in Bengaluru should be electric and suggested that only electric autorickshaws, cabs, goods three-wheelers, and solid-waste collection vehicles should be allowed to operate in the city. He emphasised that the high volume of vehicles on Bengaluru’s roads, coupled with the city’s large population, is exacerbating pollution levels, which in turn has a detrimental effect on the health of its residents.
In his letter, Rao highlighted the link between air pollution and health issues, noting that without immediate action, Bengaluru could face a crisis similar to that of Delhi.
The health minister stressed the need for collective action to tackle air pollution and shift away from conventional fuels, calling it an urgent necessity rather than an option. He also stated that the government also bears responsibility for mitigating the negative impact of air pollution on the environment.
In response to Rao’s suggestions, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy acknowledged the letter and reportedly said that while certain measures required approval from the Union government, others could be implemented with permission from the state government. He further assured that steps would be taken to reduce vehicular emissions in Bengaluru.
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3 killed, 15 injured in fire after blast at firecracker unit in MP's Dewas; CM orders probe
Dewas/Indore (PTI): At least three workers were killed and 15 persons injured after a fire broke out following an explosion at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on Thursday, an official said.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief over the incident and ordered an investigation. The state government will provide an assistance of Rs 4 lakh to the kin of each of the deceased, and the injured will receive free treatment, he said in a post on X.
Three persons were killed in the fire at the firecracker unit located in Tonk Kalan area, and around 15 injured persons were sent to hospitals in Indore and Dewas, Collector Rituraj Singh told reporters after inspecting the site.
Videos of the aftermath surfaced on social media, showing thick white smoke billowing from the factory along the Agra–Mumbai national highway. The clips also showed people rushing the injured for treatment amid cries for help, with body parts seen scattered at the site.
The collector said the fire has been brought under control. The administration has taken possession of explosives stored at another location within the unit, he said.
The work to manufacture small firecrackers at the factory of a person named Anil Malviya had begun only 15 days ago, and a licence has been issued for the unit, the collector said.
A detailed investigation is underway into the incident, he added.
CM Yadav said, "I have directed Deputy Chief Minister and Dewas district guardian minister Jagdish Devda, the home secretary and senior officials to visit the spot. An inquiry has also been ordered into the incident."
Local residents said there was a massive explosion at the factory, and the victims' body parts were found scattered far away from the site.
They said construction work was underway at the site and different sheds were being built there.
