Anti-Pollution Drive (APD) Foundation, an NGO, had conducted a pulmonary function test for Mangaluru City Traffic Police in association with pulmonologists Yenepoya Medical College. As many as 115 traffic cops had undergone pulmonary function test conducted by the Foundation, which was started in October 2015 with a mission to work towards mitigating air pollution and improvise public, environment and economic health of India.

Abdullah A Rehman, founder of the Foundation, said the test shows significant amount of traffic personnel have affected lungs. "The results show 22.3% of the policemen, having five and less years of service showing signs of restrictive lungs. Meanwhile, 26.3% policemen having more than five years of experience are showing restrictive lung capacity. Yenepoya Medical College experts have concluded that there is a significant correlation in lung function and exposure to vehicular pollutants. The number of traffic police with restriction increased with the duration of exposure," he said.

Speaking after distributing anti-pollution masks to traffic cops, city police commissioner M Chandra Sekhar said cops needs to give more emphasis for their health. "Since there is lot of work pressure in the department, policemen always neglect their health. Cops on emergency duties forget to go for medical check-ups," he said.

To make policemen fit and stress-free, Mangaluru city police will encourage cops to practice yoga regularly, the commissioner said.

"We have plans to conduct yoga training for police personnel. We have spoken to yoga teachers to offer a week-long training programme. They have agreed to conduct training programme in batches. We will fix the schedule within a week," he added.

Minister for health and family welfare U T Khader said health department will extend all support for the effective implementation of health schemes for policemen. Mangaluru City South MLA J R Lobo presided.