Oorvani updates: Datajam on Bengaluru air | Ayushman Bharat: What’s on paper versus lived experiences

As with our previous datajams in Bengaluru and Chennai — on lakes, water supply and urban heat — we will be sharing all findings from the jam online, and presented to key stakeholders. We hope it will feed into public campaigns to drive the demand for solutions. Meanwhile our continuing reportage on air quality and related issues finds that the city has a long way to go before it can claim to have initiated meaningful action against pollution. And the long absence of an elected council at the BBMP is actually hurting the cause, with the national clean air funds stalled on that count. You can read Gangadharan Bs report on the NCAP below.

Meanwhile another reporter, Harshitha Padmavinod, has a very important two-part series on what the universal health civerage scheme Ayushman Bharat promises, how to avail its benefits and what’s hindering smooth implementation on the ground. As we leave you this week, here are these and some of our other most important stories:

Why clean air funds have been stalled, even as Bengaluru air worsens NCAP funds worth over 250 crores lie unutilised, while Bengaluru's air quality steadily worsens. Now the funds have been stalled. What’s behind it all?

We have initiated the climate budgeting process this year: BCAC Chairperson Preeti Gehlot Ward Climate Action Plans will promote rainwater harvesting and identify eco-sponge spaces in Bengaluru, says the chairperson of the climate action cell in an exclusive interview.

Ayushman Bharat: All you need to know about availing benefits under the scheme Who is eligible for the Ayushman Bharat health scheme and what is the procedure to enrol for it? This explainer gives all the information.

High cost of ‘free’ healthcare: Many hurdles to accessing Ayushman Bharat There is an urgent need to simplify eligibility requirements and streamline hospital procedures for the AB-PMJAY scheme

Opinion: Namma Metro fare hike is by design rather than compulsion Our citizen commentator looks closely at the Bengaluru Metro fare hike, which has sparked a debate. Policies over 12 years reveal high costs and limited low-fare alternatives.

Caught in the tides: Can Chennai protect its Olive Ridley turtles? This video examines the mass mortality of Olive Ridley turtles along Chennai's shores, emphasising the need for immediate conservation efforts

BEST no longer: How contract buses are hampering services in Mumbai Wet-leased buses, far outnumbering BEST’s own fleet now, are bogged down by multiple problems as contractors try to cut costs.

Sion overbridge: Work in progress or a project stalled? The delay in reconstructing one of Mumbai's iconic bridges is inconveniencing commuters. Residents hope the project will be completed soon.

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