Bengaluru, the bustling technology hub of India, is facing a growing urban health crisis. As the city expands, the health of its residents is increasingly influenced by factors beyond traditional medical care. The air they breathe, the streets they walk on, the food they consume, and the design of their neighborhoods are all critical components shaping the well-being of Bengaluru’s citizens.
This critical issue was the focus of the sixth and final episode of the Public Talk Series on ‘The Science for Sustainable Urban Living’. The series, a collaborative initiative of the Bengaluru Science and Technology Cluster (BeST) and the Bangalore Apartments’ Federation (BAF), brought together experts from medicine, public health, and urban design to discuss how Bengaluru can move towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
Are Cities Creating Diseases?
One of the central questions discussed during the session was whether Bengaluru’s urban design is creating healthier environments or unintentionally increasing disease risks. Prof Sunder Swaminathan, a professor at Tata IISc Medical School, highlighted the rapid urbanization that has brought several lifestyle changes with serious long-term consequences. The loss of green spaces, increasing traffic congestion, air pollution, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy food habits, and disrupted sleep patterns are major concerns.
Prof Swaminathan warned that Bengaluru could face a significant rise in non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer in the coming years. He emphasized that modern urban living is creating a combination of risk factors, including reduced physical activity, poor diet, polluted air, and disrupted sleep patterns.
The Rise of Lifestyle-Related Diseases
Dr Pragati Hebbar, Academic Dean at the Institute of Public Health Bengaluru, pointed out that physical inactivity is one of the biggest concerns in rapidly urbanizing cities. Modern conveniences have reduced everyday movement, with technology making services available instantly at people’s fingertips. She noted that global and national health data show a major shift from infectious diseases to non-communicable diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions.
Dr Hebbar stressed the importance of preventive healthcare, stating that prevention should not be treated as something separate but should become part of the entire healthcare continuum. She emphasized the need for greater attention to preventive measures to address the rising tide of lifestyle-related diseases.
Urban Planning and The Missing Health Perspective
Rohan Patankar, an independent architect and urban sociologist, discussed how urban planning needs to include a health perspective. He explained that Bengaluru’s planning often prioritizes economic productivity and growth rather than health. Long commutes, lack of walkable streets, and poor access to public spaces have transformed healthy activities such as walking into difficult tasks.
Patankar highlighted that urban challenges do not affect everyone equally. Women, elderly citizens, children, persons with disabilities, and informal workers often experience cities differently due to issues related to safety, accessibility, and social infrastructure. He emphasized the need for urban design that considers the diverse needs of all residents.
Air Pollution: The Invisible Health Emergency
Air pollution emerged as one of the major concerns during the discussion. Prof Swaminathan explained that pollution is not limited to respiratory problems but affects multiple systems of the human body. Fine particulate matter can enter the bloodstream and contribute to inflammation, increasing risks of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, allergies, and metabolic disorders.
Dr Hebbar added that air pollution is emerging as a major public health threat, often compared with tobacco because of its impact on mortality. Unlike tobacco, individuals have little control over the air they breathe, making air pollution a critical issue for urban health. Patankar explained that urban design plays an important role in reducing pollution exposure, with better public transport, improved last-mile connectivity, walkable neighborhoods, and increased green cover helping to reduce the impact.
Water Security and Public Health
The panel also discussed Bengaluru’s growing water concerns. Prof Swaminathan highlighted that water scarcity and poor water quality could have serious health consequences. He pointed out risks ranging from dehydration-related kidney problems to contamination caused by heavy metals, pesticides, microplastics, and disease-causing organisms.
Ensuring access to clean and safe water is crucial for maintaining public health. The panel emphasized the need for sustainable water management practices to address these concerns and protect the health of Bengaluru’s residents.
