"Steps Taken By GNCTD, Municipal Corporations Have Taken A Back Seat": Delhi HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Mosquito Infestation, Rise Of Vector Borne Diseases Amid Covid

The Delhi High Court on Monday took suo moto cognizance of the issue of mosquito infestation and the rise of vector borne diseases amid covid 19 pandemic after observing that the steps taken by the Delhi Government and Municipal Corporations of Delhi have taken a "back seat" in tackling the spread of Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. 

A division bench comprising of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Jasmeet Singh took the suo moto cognizance and ordered thus:

"We are inclined to take suo moto cognizance of the mosquito infestation which is prevalent in GNCTD. It appears that in account of the prevailing Pandemic situation, steps by GNCTD and municipal corporations have taken a back seat."

Owing to the surge in such vector borne diseases each other this time, the Court directed all the municipal corporations of Delhi, the Delhi Government and other authorities to inform the Court about the steps they are undertaking and they are willing to undertake in the GNCTD on the aforesaid issue.

While initiating the suo moto PIL, the Court expressed its apprehension about the fact that various patients who are contacting dengue and Chikungunya viruses who require hospitalization may find it difficult to get a hospital bed as the same are occupied due to covid 19 situation.

"If there is someone who needs hospitalization due to dengue etc, that will be an issue due to the pandemic." Justice Sanghi orally remarked.

Court is being suggested that issue of black fungus must also be taken up in the similar manner.

In view of this, the Bench directed that a status report be filed in the matter by Thursday and a division bench comprising of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Jyoti Singh will be hearing the matter on Friday.

The development came while the bench was hearing a bunch of petitions concerning covid 19 situation in the national capital.

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