LI Network
Published on: 22 July 2023 at 11:56 IST
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, urging the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and Chief Secretary of NCT Delhi to take immediate actions in providing free rations, medical assistance, sanitary provisions, and essential medicines to prevent post-flood endemics and water-borne diseases.
The plea emphasizes the need for these essential supplies, especially for preparing food at relief camps, following the devastating Yamuna flood in the capital.
According to the petitioner, Dr. Akash Bhattacharya, and Advocate KR Shiyas, around 25,000 people have been directly or indirectly affected by the flood, and their livelihoods are at risk due to the extreme conditions prevailing at the relief camps, where proper sanitation facilities and food are lacking.
The PIL highlights the constitutional duty of the respondent state to protect the life and liberty of every citizen, emphasizing that their existence should not be reduced to that of mere animals, as clarified by the Supreme Court in various judgments.
The Urban Flooding Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) stresses the importance of preparedness and early-stage warnings by state government authorities to prevent financial losses, natural disasters, and loss of human lives. However, in the National Capital Region, the respondents have failed to uphold their duty to protect the lives and private property of individuals affected by the flood that occurred on the banks of the Yamuna River over the past seven days, as per the plea.
The PIL further seeks court orders to ensure the supply of essential and quality food at all relief camps across Delhi and the establishment of community kitchens at each flood relief camp in the city.
Additionally, the plea requests the respondents to provide sanitary items, such as soap and sanitizer, for the flood victims residing in the relief camps. These measures are essential to mitigate the risk of water-borne diseases and ensure proper hygiene standards in the aftermath of the flood.
The court is expected to review the PIL and consider the urgent need for immediate measures to safeguard the well-being of the flood-affected population in the capital city.
