HC directs Centre to submit report on dengue

The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the Centre to submit a report on the implementation of a long-term action plan to control the outbreak of dangerous diseases such as dengue in the city.

The Delhi high court on Wednesday directed the Centre to submit a report on the implementation of a long-term action plan to control the outbreak of dangerous diseases such as dengue in the city.

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A division bench of chief justice D Murugesan and justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw sought the report within three weeks from the Union Ministry of Health and posted the matter for December 12.

The court’s direction came during hearing of a petition by a lawyer, Gaurav Bansal, seeking formation of an independent committee to monitor the implementation of a long-term action plan, formulated by the Centre earlier, to combat the mosquito menace in the city.

The petitioner cited data of dengue cases in Delhi between 2007 and 2012, and media reports to support his claim about the failure of the authorities, including the Union government, to contain the spread of dengue.

Bansal claimed the authorities woke up only after an acute shortage of blood and medicines in hospitals.He also wanted the court to examine the steps taken by the Delhi government, the civic bodies, and the health department, citing lack of coordination.