The Delhi High Court has taken urgent action to address a severe crisis. Patients awaiting treatment and their attendants are sleeping in the open due to packed night shelters. On Wednesday, the court directed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board to temporarily take over subways around major hospitals. Authorities must make immediate arrangements, including setting up beds.
Survey Reveals Critical Bed Shortage
Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma and Central government standing counsel Ashish Dixit conducted a survey. They found an urgent need for at least 400 beds near AIIMS and Safdarjung Hospital. The current night shelters in these areas are insufficient to meet demand.
Subway at AIIMS Metro Station Identified as Solution
Sharma and Dixit highlighted a specific location for relief. The subway from Gate 2 of AIIMS Metro station can accommodate around 100 people. Patients and attendants have already been using this space for shelter. This makes it a viable short-term option.
Court Dismisses DUSIB Claims
A bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia instituted a suo motu PIL earlier this week. They acted on news reports about difficulties faced by patients. On Wednesday, the bench orally dismissed DUSIB's claim about shelter capacity. DUSIB stated it runs 322 shelters with an occupancy of 19,724 people. The court questioned if this is sufficient for a city with over two crore population.
Multiple Authorities Involved in Litigation
The court has impleaded several key parties to the litigation. These include four central government hospitals: AIIMS, VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital, Lady Hardinge Hospital, and Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital. Various civic and administrative authorities are also involved. The list includes the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Land and Development Office, Public Works Department, New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, and Delhi Police. The Centre for Holistic Development is also a party now.
Long-Term Measures and Immediate Meetings
The High Court has requested senior advocate Avi Singh to provide comprehensive suggestions. He represents an NGO in this case. The court wants long-term measures along with mechanisms to remedy the situation. For short-term planning, a meeting will convene under the chairpersonship of the principal district judge (South). This meeting is scheduled for Thursday at 10 am.
Officials to Chart Short-Term Plan
Officials from multiple agencies will attend the Thursday meeting. Participants include representatives from NDMC, MCD, DMRC, DUSIB, Delhi Jal Board, BSES, Delhi Development Authority, Delhi Police, and L&DO. Officials from AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, Lady Hardinge Hospital, and RML Hospital will also be present. They aim to chalk out a short-term plan to meet current exigencies. The principal district judge must submit a report on this meeting. The court has posted the matter for further hearing on Friday.
