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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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
