The year 2015 saw several crucial initiatives in health being launched. Hindustan Times in this article highlighted some of the significant milestones achieved through the past year.
Meanwhile, the debate over how to tackle polluted air, rages on in the national capital. This new year, Delhi woke up to new traffic rules in an attempt to cut down air pollution. From Jan.1 to 15, cars with license plates ending with an even number will only be allowed on the roads on even-numbered dates and the same for odd numbers.Levels of dangerous particulate matter, known as PM 2.5 in the Indian capital exceed those deemed safe by the World Health Organization.The odd-even rule is part of measures introduced by authorities in Delhi in recent weeks to try to improve air quality, including a temporary ban on the registration of larger diesel-powered cars, sports-utility vehicles and minivans.
To read more about our coverage last year on air pollution, click here. Also, the Centre for Science and Environment’s latest publication — Body Burden 2015: State of India’s Health examines the linkage between environment and health.Air pollution is one of the top 10 killers in the world and the fifth leading cause of death in India. This report calls for stringent actions on air pollution.