Contain mosquito-borne diseases or face imprisonment: Delhi-HC tells government officials
"No human or animal should be co-existing with garbage," said Delhi High Court yesterday reprimanding the Delhi government and civic agencies for their lackadaisical attitude in containing mosquito-borne diseases. Within just four months, 25 dengue cases were reported in Delhi this year. The HC warned that if this leads to an outbreak, it'd impose Section 269 (6-months' imprisonment and/or a fine) against erring officials.
'People have to vacate houses to make way for garbage'
The bench said that people will now have to vacate their houses to make way for the increasing garbage, which eventually leads to a bunch of diseases. Garbage collection is also part of 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan', a Central-Government initiative, it said. The bench, which comprised acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and justice C Hari Shankar, was hearing PILs of Arpit Bhargava and Gauri Grover.
'Right after court hearing, officials work but not thereafter'
The HC also noticed that officials start working just after a court hearing, but not thereafter and "we are back to square one". As per the HC directive, order copies will be sent to concerned ministries in Central Government and Delhi government, DCB, NDMC, DDA and MCDs. Meanwhile, the MCD commissioners, who were present in the court, were granted a last opportunity.
Sanitation workers on strike, garbage not getting cleaned
North DMC and East DMC advocates said that since they couldn't pay salaries, the sanitation workers are on strike, thus worsening the situation. "Be it staff salaries or collection or disposal of solid waste and cleanliness of the city, it is their (authorities') obligation," HC reasoned. SDMC claimed that they have started spreading awareness about mosquito-borne diseases a month ahead of the schedule.
Unseasonal rain also contributes to mosquito breeding grounds
The unseasonal rain also creates a favorable environment for mosquito breeding. "We always get cases about a week after a spell, and if the showers continue, there may be a spurt in cases from next week," says Dr Srikant Sharma, consultant, medicine department, Moolchand Hospital.
