Bengaluru, Aug. 12, 2025 – Health experts, environmentalists, and consumer rights advocates have renewed calls to phase out mercury-based thermometers and blood pressure monitors in India, warning of severe risks to human health and the environment.
The appeal came at a panel discussion hosted by Consumer VOICE and the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI) at Christ (Deemed to be University), focusing on mercury’s toxic impact, particularly on children, pregnant women, and nursing mothers.
Mercury devices, safe only when intact, release harmful vapours if broken or discarded carelessly—contaminating air, water, and soil, and entering the food chain. Dr. Dennis Xavier of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences cited the Kodaikanal mercury contamination case to highlight the dangers and the need for safe disposal.
Under the Minamata Convention on Mercury, India is working with WHO to eliminate mercury devices, replacing them with digital or aneroid alternatives. The WHO lists mercury among the top 10 chemicals of major health concern, with even small exposures capable of damaging the nervous, digestive, and immune systems.
Speakers including Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Dr. Lalitha (M.S. Ramaiah Medical College), Dr. V. Nagappa (former Karnataka State Pollution Control Board) and Dr. Anitha Varghese, CHRIST(Deemed to be University), stressed public awareness, strict waste management, and a rapid switch to safer devices.
Environmental activist Akshay Heblikar and Nilanjana Bose of Consumer VOICE urged households to adopt affordable mercury-free products, a transition already embraced by the healthcare sector.
“Every family’s choice to go mercury-free is a step towards protecting both health and the planet,” said S.J. Chander, CEO of FSHI.
Bengaluru: A major case of Waqf property fraud has come to light in the city, involving allegations of illegal encroachment, forged documentation, and collusion between the President of Ayesha Amina Trust, certain Trustees, and BBMP officials.
Addressing a press conference at the Press Club of Bangalore today, Dr. Yaseen Shariff, a family member of Late Haji Nabi Shariff, accused Trust President Ahmed Shariff of illegally occupying 525 sq. ft. of Waqf land located at No. 5, Sadar Patrappa Road, O.T.C. Road Cross, Bengaluru – 560002.
According to Dr. Yaseen, the land was lawfully purchased by the Ayesha Amina Trust under a registered sale deed dated October 5, 1972, and has remained in the Trust’s possession for over five decades. It is also officially recorded as Waqf property with the Karnataka Board of Waqf (Reg. No. KTW/Reg/07/BNU/1982-83). In 2004, BBMP approved a building plan for a hostel on the site, and taxes for the property have been paid regularly.
Fraudulent Deed and Illegal Construction In March 2023, Ahmed Shariff allegedly fabricated a “Deed of Declaration” claiming part of the land belonged to his late father, Haji Nabi Shariff, despite no legal record supporting such ownership. Using this document, he reportedly secured a fake BBMP Khata (No. 5/1) — which did not exist previously — and constructed six shops without BBMP approval.
Subsequently, on May 23, 2023, he executed six separate registered gift deeds transferring the shops to his wife and daughters. Later, on June 20, 2025, the entire block of shops and land was sold to Mr. Jaishankar through a registered sale deed — a transaction void under the Waqf Act, which prohibits sale, gift, or transfer of Waqf properties.
Alleged Collusion and Trustee Silence Dr. Yaseen alleged that the Secretary and Trustees of the Ayesha Amina Trust failed to raise objections or initiate legal action, effectively enabling the encroachment. He also accused BBMP officials of facilitating the fraudulent Khata transfer and accepting property tax payments under false claims.
Demands for Action Citing Section 52A of the Waqf Act, which makes unauthorised sale, gift, or transfer of Waqf properties a cognisable and non-bailable offence, Dr. Yaseen called for:
1. Immediate cancellation of Khata No. 5/1 and demolition of the illegal structure.
2. Restoration of property records to the Ayesha Amina Trust.
3. Criminal proceedings against Ahmed Shariff, Trustees, and complicit BBMP officials.
4. A high-level inquiry into Waqf property encroachments across Bengaluru.
5. Removal of current Trustees for dereliction of duty and violation of the Trust Deed.
“This is a clear case of land-grabbing and abuse of authority. If left unchecked, similar frauds will jeopardise many other Waqf properties,” Dr. Yaseen said, urging the Karnataka State Board of Waqf to file a police complaint and recover the property without delay.
The allegations emerge against the backdrop of nationwide protests over the Waqf Amendment Bill, amplifying demands for stronger enforcement to protect religious and charitable properties from encroachment and corruption.
Bengaluru: Transgender rights activist Dr. Akkai Padmashali has announced her resignation from the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC), stepping down from her roles as State General Secretary and Vice President.
In a statement, Dr. Padmashali expressed gratitude to the Indian National Congress for inducting her into the party on September 20, 2020, and recalled the support extended by leaders including the late Smt. Indira Gandhi, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the late Dr. Manmohan Singh, the late Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, Shri Rahul Gandhi, the late Shri Oscar Fernandes, Shri Siddaramaiah, Dr. G. Parameshwar, Shri Veerappa Moily, Shri Shashi Tharoor, Shri B.K. Hariprasad, and Shri U.T. Khader.
Highlighting ongoing socio-economic, political, educational, and legal challenges faced by transgender, intersex, and sexual minority communities, Dr. Padmashali said systemic marginalisation and exclusion from policy and justice mechanisms remain pressing concerns. She stated that working independently is now necessary to strengthen the movement and ensure constitutional rights for these communities at both the State and National levels.
Wishing success to the government’s vision of “Sarva Janangada Shantiya Totada Sarkara” (a government for the peace of all communities), Dr. Padmashali called for continued advocacy for social justice and equality.
SJ Chander: CEO of FSHI Neelanjana: Consumer Voice Lead Health New Delhi Dr Manoj : Assistant Professor Department of Chemistry, Christ University Dr.Anitha Vergis: Head of the Department Chemistry, Christ University at press meet held at press club of Bengaluru
Bengaluru, India — Public health specialists, environmental advocates, and consumer rights groups have issued a strong call for the complete phase-out of mercury-based thermometers and sphygmomanometers in India, citing serious health and environmental hazards. The appeal came during a panel discussion hosted by Consumer VOICE and the Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI) at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.
Experts cautioned that while mercury devices are safe when intact, broken or improperly disposed of instruments release toxic vapours that can harm the lungs, kidneys, and nervous system, and contaminate the environment. Drawing lessons from the mercury contamination incident in Kodaikanal, Dr. Dennis Xavier, Professor and Head of Pharmacology at St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, stressed the dangers of mercury exposure and the importance of safe handling and disposal.
India, a signatory to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, is working with the Ministries of Health and Environment and WHO India to eliminate mercury-based medical devices and promote digital and aneroid alternatives. The World Health Organization ranks mercury among the top 10 chemicals of major public health concern, especially dangerous for children, unborn babies, and nursing infants.
A 2011 Toxics Link report estimated that around eight tonnes of mercury are released in India each year from medical measuring devices—69% from blood pressure monitors and the rest from thermometers—largely due to unsafe disposal.
Dr. Lalitha of M.S. Ramaiah Medical College warned that mercury exposure during pregnancy or lactation poses serious risks to future generations. Former Karnataka State Pollution Control Board officer Dr. B. Nagappa urged all healthcare facilities to strictly follow mercury spill protocols, train staff, and adopt safer alternatives.
Environmental activist Akshay Heblikar and Consumer VOICE’s Nilanjana Bose highlighted the need for households to follow the healthcare sector’s lead in switching to mercury-free devices, which are now accurate, affordable, and widely available.
“This movement empowers people to safeguard both public health and the environment,” said S.J. Chander, CEO of FSHI.
Understanding Mercury: Protecting Our Health and Environment Date: 12th August, 2025 Venue: CHRIST (Deemed to be University) Room no. 529, 5th floor, R and D block, Bangalore Central Campus
Registration& Tea ; 10.00 am to 10.15 am Inaugural Session: 10.15 am to 11. 00 am Invocation: Watering the plants : Dignitaries Welcome Address: Dr. Anitha Varghese, HoD, Dept. of Chemistry, Christ (Deemed to be University) Opening Remaks: Ms Anu Agarawal Consultant WHO India (tbc) Setting the Tone: India’s Commitment to the Minamata Convention : Ms Nilanjana Bose, Consumer Voice Key note Address: Dr. Dennis Xavier, Prof. & HoD, Dept. of Pharmacology, St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences Presidential Address: Dr. Anil Joseph Pinto, Registrar, Christ (Deemed be University) Vote of Thanks: Panel Discussion 11:15 – 12:30 PM Moderator: Dr. Manoj, Asst Prof. Dept of Chemistry, Christ (Deemed to be University) Panellists Public Health Challenges of Mercury Dr Lalitha K. Prof and HoD. Dept of Community Medicine M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences
Environmental Impact of Mercury and its prevention & mitigation Mr. Akshay Heblikar, Director, Eco Watch
Challenges in disposal of Mercury Dr. B. Nagappa, Former Senior Scientific Officer, KSPCB
Social Mobilization for Prevention S. J. Chander, CEO, Foundation for Sustainable Health India (FSHI)
Q&A Session Concluding Remarks by Moderator Pledge: Commitment to Use Mercury-Safe Products All Participants
Bengaluru — Under the blessings and guidance of His Holiness Sri Sri Subudhendra Teertha Swamiji, the Jayanagar 5th Block branch of Rayara Mata hosted special rituals on August 9 to commemorate the Aradhana Mahotsava of Guru Raghavendra Swamy. The event was organized under the leadership of the Mata’s senior administrator, Sri R.K. Vadindra Acharya.
As part of the evening’s cultural programme, acclaimed young vocalist Sri Jayateerth Tasgaonkar presented a soul-stirring Dasavani concert from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. He was accompanied by Sri Vignesh Bhagavat on harmonium,Sri Akshay Joshi and Sri Santosh Hoogar on tabla, and Sri Rajesh Kulkarni on taal.
Devotees applauded warmly, appreciating the artistry and devotional fervour of the performers. Speaking on the occasion, Sri Nandakishore Acharya expressed gratitude to the artists and the audience for making the event memorable.
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