Green pill

Sir — Greenery is linked to several health benefits. It is believed that living in the vicinity of greenery can even slow down ageing. There is biological evidence to support this hypothesis. A recent study has shown that people living in verdant environs have longer telomeres — markers of biological age — than those residing in non-green neighbourhoods. However, researchers have warned that the effect of this advantage can get cancelled out owing to social ills like discrimination. Given the intertwined nature of climate change and segregation, perhaps the finding will inspire a joint fight to nip both evils in the bud.

Sourjo Sinha, Noida

Annual woe

Sir — A recent satellite imagery released by Nasa has unveiled a thick blanket of smog engulfing India’s northern plains (“NCR air quality alarm before Diwali”, Nov 7). This raises concerns about a looming air pollution crisis in the national capital region.

Overall air quality has been deteriorating in Delhi with the air quality index reported over 400 on Thursday. The AQIs of surrounding areas like Ghaziabad, Gurugram and Noida have been worsening as well. The authorities must take action before the crisis aggravates.

Bhagwan Thadani, Mumbai

Sir — The worsening air quality in Delhi — typical during this time of the year — causes a great deal of human suffering. The Centre and the state government have only passed the buck instead of implementing a meaningful action plan to solve the crisis.

The primary factor that contributes to air quality degradation is the burning of crop residue in the neighbouring states. The heaps of agricultural residue that are left after the harvest season should be adequately managed. The Centre should mediate among the conflicting states to curb Delhi’s air pollution.

D.V.G. Sankara Rao, Andhra Pradesh

Precarious lives

Sir — Both Israel and Hamas are responsible for the ongoing conflict that is taking a heavy toll on children (“Young blood”, Nov 8). While it is Hamas that started the latest round of carnage, Israel’s continued bombardment of Gaza in the name of retaliatory action is unjustified and amounts to war crime. Both sides should agree to a ceasefire. Instead of fanning the flames, world leaders must broker peace between the warring sides.

Aranya Sanyal, Siliguri

Sir — Israel’s war against Gaza has already claimed more than 10,000 lives. As the Israel Defence Forces continue with its relentless pounding of Gaza, the country’s heritage minister, Amichai Eliyahu, has revealed that Tel Aviv has been mulling the option of dropping a nuclear bomb on the Gaza Strip. This shows that Israel, emboldened by the West’s support, is intent on its mission to eliminate Hamas.

The fissures between Israel and Palestine have been long-standing. But that does not give Tel Aviv the right to commit genocide against Palestinians. The onus now lies with the United States of America to stop the latest conflagration.

Gregory Fernandes, Mumbai

Be sensitive

Sir — The recent remarks of the Bihar chief minister, Nitish Kumar, while commenting on the need for meaningful sex education in schools go beyond all limits of decency and must be condemned (“Nitish apologises for House remark”, Nov 9). His use of explicit words, expression and body language while describing how an educated woman should ‘restrain’ her husband during sexual intercourse were demeaning and do not befit his office. Given his aspiration to become the prime ministerial candidate, Nitish Kumar should do more than just offering an apology.

Bal Govind, Noida

Sir — The Bihar chief minister is rightly being criticised for his misogynist comments during an ongoing session of the Bihar legislative assembly. Such remarks by a chief minister lower the dignity of the office. The House should take action to prevent members from making disgraceful statements.

Jayanthy Subramaniam, Mumbai

Fatal mile

Sir — Indian roads have become precarious owing to the rising number of road accidents in recent years (“Red signals”, Nov 7). The key factors responsible for declining road safety are inadequate infrastructure, non-compliance with traffic regulations and reckless driving. These concerns should be addressed urgently.

Several countries like Norway, Switzerland, Sweden and the United Kingdom have made significant strides in reducing road traffic deaths. Their road safety models should be adopted to shape effective policies across India.

Amarjeet Kumar, Hazaribagh

Sir — The annual statistics revealed that there has been an increase of 9.4% in the number of road accident deaths in India. While the government has put in place safety regulations, there is a need to make people more aware of the risks on the roads.

S.S. Paul, Nadia