New Delhi: In response to the pressing situation caused by the Yamuna flood in the capital, the Delhi High Court has called for a status report from the Delhi Government and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA). The court is responding to a plea that urges immediate action to provide free rations, medical assistance, sanitary provisions, and essential medicines to prevent post-flood endemics and water-borne diseases. These provisions are crucial for the well-being of those seeking shelter at the camps in the aftermath of the disaster.

According to the Public Interest Litigation (PIL), around 25,000 people have been directly or indirectly affected by the flood, and their livestock is also living in precarious conditions at the relief camps due to the lack of proper sanitation facilities and adequate food supplies.

The bench, comprised of Justice Satish Chander Sharma and Justice Saurab Benrajee, has requested a detailed status report from the Delhi government, acknowledging the genuine cause behind the plea. The court has set the matter for further hearing on September 13.

Advocate Santosh Kumar Tripathi, representing the Delhi government, opposed the plea, stating that it was prematurely circulated to the media before approaching the relevant authorities or the court for a hearing. He also mentioned that the government has already taken steps to provide financial assistance to those affected by the flood.

The plea, filed by Akash Bhattacharya through advocate KR Shiyas, highlights the constitutional duty of the respondent state to safeguard the life and liberty of its citizens, emphasizing that the existence of individuals should not be reduced to that of mere animals, as established in various judgments by the Supreme Court.

The plea emphasizes the importance of preparedness and early-stage warning in the face of urban flooding. Failure to adhere to these measures has resulted in significant financial losses, natural disasters, and the loss of human lives, as witnessed during the flood on the banks of River Yamuna over the last seven days.

Among its demands, the plea seeks direction from the respondents to ensure the supply of essential and quality food across all relief camps in Delhi, as well as the establishment of community kitchens at each flood relief camp.

Furthermore, the plea requests the provision of sanitary items such as soap and sanitizers for the well-being of the flood victims residing in the relief camps.

The Delhi High Court is addressing the urgency of the situation caused by the Yamuna flood, urging immediate action from the authorities to provide necessary assistance and essential resources to those affected.

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