Delhi HC Decides Not To Use Centralised AC System As A Precautionary Measure Against COVID19

The decision to use other alternatives such as ceiling fans and wall fans has been taken by the Committee For Creating Graded Action Plan headed by Justice Hima Kohli of the Delhi High Court.

The said issue was brought to the court's notice by an application moved by Mr KC Mittal, Chairman of the Bar Council of Delhi.

After perusing the reports submitted by officials of the Public Works Department on the issue, the court committee observed that even if it incurs massive expenditure on procuring and installing Ultra Violet Germicide Irradiation devices, there would not be complete certainty of eradication of all the virus, germs and particles including COVID-19.

The said officials of the PWD had informed the Committee that such device can only disinfect the air received in AHU for re-circulation and if any COVID-19 infected person enters the area having Central Air-conditioning, there is still every likelihood that the particles of such virus, exhaled by such person, may remain airborne and may, in turn, infect others.

Citing the example of the Supreme Court, which is also not using centralised air conditioning as of now, the committee expressed that instead of incurring such a heavy expenditure on something whose benefits are not completely certain, it would be better to procure sufficient quantity of pedestal fans/wall fans and to install them at appropriate places in all the Blocks.

When PWD officials informed the court that they have to see whether the old hooks are still there for installing ceiling fans, the Committee directed them to conduct a survey in this regard and submit a proposal regarding the required quantity of all such types of fans in every block.

In addition to this, for disinfecting the files, books and other surfaces, the court has also ordered to procure two cart-type moveable devices, stated to be of around Rs. 4.5 lacs each.

The Committee further noted that:

'Since the windows and doors of Court Building may be required to be left open for proper circulation of air during the working hours, PWD shall ensure that all such windows have proper net/mesh so that no insects/mosquitoes etc. enter inside the court building'

Read the minutes of the Committee meeting