Delhi HC Directs Civic Bodies of Delhi To Submit Affidavits Indicating Their Preparedness To Deal With An Earthquake on an Urgent Basis

The Division Bench of Justice Vipin Sanghi and Justice Rajnish Bhatnagar has asked for the affidavits to be filed within one week by the Commissioners of all the MCDs, Chairman of NDMC, DDA and Delhi Cantonment Board.

The order has come in an application moved by Mr Arpit Bhargava, seeking court's directions in the wake of 11 earthquakes that hit the city between April 12 and June 04.

The Petitioner claims that he wishes to inform the court about the alleged 'lackadaisical' approach of the State Government and the civic bodies in taking steps in a time bound manner in order to save the people of Delhi from an impending earthquake.

It is also highlighted by the Petitioner that the authorities have not complied with the previous orders of this court which had directed for taking measures to create preparedness for earthquakes.

'The Respondents are not serious in their endeavours to comply with the directions of this court to take time bound action in order to save the lives of people of Delhi', the petition states.

It is also pointed out by the Petitioner that experts have been hinting at a major earthquake hitting the city based on the seismic activities that have been taken place in the NCR region.

The Petitioner also submits that the action plan prepared by the authorities is a long term measure. Therefore, urgent directions need to be issued to create awareness among the masses about precautions to be taken during an earthquake, and how the government will be taking up relief measures.