‘Affected People Shifted Back To Their Homes’: Delhi High Court Closes PIL Seeking Immediate Relief Measures At Yamuna Flood Relief Camps

Observing that the affected people have been shifted back to their homes, the Delhi High Court recently closed a public interest litigation seeking immediate measures like free ration, medical assistance, sanitary provisions and other essentials in the Yamuna flood relief camps in the national capital.

“We note that, at present, the relief camps have been wound up and the flood affected people have been shifted back to their homes,” a division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula said.

The court took note of Delhi Government’s status report and said that not only did the government provide relief and aid to flood-affected people, but various NGOs, gurudwaras and other organisations also participated in relief activities, including distribution of stationery and clothing items.

“In light of the GNCTD’s status report, no further orders are required to be passed in the present PIL and the same stands disposed of accordingly,” the court said.

The plea was moved Akash Bhattacharya, a former Assistant Professor of Azim Premji University. He had contended that the flood that occurred in the Yamuna floodplain was the most devastating calamity occurred in Delhi since the year 1978.

The Delhi Government’s response stated that around 27,381 persons were evacuated from flood-affected low-lying areas and a total of 47 relief camps were established across six districts in the national capital.

The government also told court that shelter was provided by way of water-proof tents at some camps and that cleanliness and hygiene was maintained by MCD staff.

The status report also stated that a financial assistance of Rs. 10,000 per family was provided to 2223 families after verification.

Apart from seeking immediate measures in flood relief camps, the PIL also sought direction on the Delhi Government to notify the flood as a natural disaster under the Disaster Management Act, 2005, and also provide immediate cash assistance of Rs. 50,000 for those who had lost their belongings and shelter.

“That the lackadaisical response from authorities cost the livelihood of hundreds of poor and destroyed their sole shelter which contained household items to important documents which proves the existence of the concerned,” the plea read.

It add d that the Delhi Government has a constitutional as well as statutory obligation to provide immediate assistance to the victims of natural calamity under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and that the flood will constitute a disaster under the section 2(d) of the enactment.

Title: Dr Akash Bhattacharya v. Delhi Disaster Management Authority through Chairperson Lt. Governor & Anr

Citation: 2023 LiveLaw (Del) 946

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