Asha Kiran row: Delhi HC orders water quality test
The Delhi High Court on Monday directed the Delhi Jal Board to assess the quality of water and the condition of sewer pipelines at the Asha Kiran shelter home in the Rohini area of the national capital. This order followed reports of the death of 14 residents in July. Additionally, the court instructed the Delhi government's social welfare secretary to submit a report on the living conditions within the shelter home.
Court directs welfare secretary to assess living conditions
A bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that the significant number of deaths within a brief period cannot be coincidental. "There are too many deaths in a short span of time. Fourteen deaths in number. It cannot be a coincidence," the bench said. The court also instructed the authorities to take measures to decongest the shelter home.
Official directed to visit Asha Kiran complex
"A cursory glance at the summary shows that all the deaths were because the patients were suffering from TB. Delhi Jal Board is directed to test the quality of water forthwith as well as the condition of water and sewer pipelines and file a report," the bench said. "Secretary Social Welfare GNCTD is directed to visit the ASHA Kiran Complex tomorrow and file a report before this court," it added.
25 resident deaths reported since February
"If there are too many occupants in the complex, then the complex will be decongested, and the occupants should move to another appropriate place," the bench stated. Since February, a total of 25 people have died at the shelter, including 14 in July alone. The shelter currently houses 980 mentally challenged individuals, including men, women, and children.
AAP MLA alleges negligence, calls for action
Earlier this month, AAP MLA Kuldeep Kumar alleged negligence at the Asha Kiran center and called for action against responsible officers. He questioned why an administrator previously arrested for bribery was overseeing the shelter home. In response to thes reports, Delhi revenue minister Atishi ordered a magisterial inquiry into the deaths at Asha Kiran and directed the additional chief secretary to submit a report within 48 hours.
