RENOWNED Indian environmentalist Saalamarada Thimmakka was rushed to a private hospital following respiratory problems.   

The nature campaigner, 112, has a known history of asthma and complained of tiredness and breathlessness on Tuesday. 

Thimmakka has been admitted to an Intensive Care Unit at Apollo Hospital in Jayanagar. 

She is currently under experts’ supervision and is being monitored regularly.  

Doctors at the Apollo Hospital said: “Her condition is stable right now and there is nothing to be concerned about. 

“We will continue to monitor her condition and hopefully will discharge her soon.”

Due to her age, doctors are unable to administer the full range of medication usually prescribed for patients with similar problems – doctors at the hospital reported. 

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Dr Ravidra Mehta, Thimakka’s consulting pulmonologist for eight years, said: “Her severe asthma, combined with her age is always a concern.

“She has a reduced lung capacity and has difficulty breathing. It is often tricky for doctors to administer full-range of medication since her body may not take it well.”

Born in the Tumakuru district of Karnataka, Salumaraada Thimmakka is widely celebrated for her substantial contributions towards environmental activism. 

She is best known for planting and tending 385 banyan trees along a 45-kilometre stretch of highway between Hulikal and Kudur. 

Along with her husband, the nature lover has planted more than 8,000 trees throughout her life. 

For her work, Thimmakka received formal acknowledgement in 1995, when she was given the Indian Citizen’s Award. 

Eventually, she gained international recognition when an environmental organisation based in Los Angeles named itself after her. 

In 2019, Thimakka was awarded Padma Shri by the Government of India for her extensive contribution towards environmental protection.