NGT slams municipal agencies of Delhi for failing to stop spread of chikungunya, dengue

Cracking its whip on the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) and other civic and sanitary authorities in New Delhi, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Wednesday pulled them up for their failure in not implementing strong measures to control the spread of mosquito-bred diseases like chikungunya and dengue.

The NGT ordered the formation of a district level committee to be headed by deputy commissioner, MCD zone to check all preventive measures being taken by concerned officials on ground and submit its report within 15 days.

It said the Delhi Government's Chief Secretary, MCD Commissioners, vice chairman of the DDA, NDMC representatives and Director General Health Services, Delhi would be part of that committee.

The NGT has asked the concerned officials to appear before it next Wednesday to review the administrative steps taken to tackle the two diseases.

"What were you doing for two months? Looks like you have no action plan. Everyone in Delhi is getting sick. You cannot turn a blind eye. Why don't all the MCD/DDA/Delhi Government/NDMC sit together on the issue of these diseases and make an action plan," the tribunal said.

The green court also showed "completely displeasure", saying that the ground reality is horrible.

"Don't show us the fabricated registers," NGT said.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has also decided to hear a plea filed by a doctor seeking proper steps to be taken by the government to stop the spread of diseases like chikungunya, dengue and malaria.

Yesterday, the Delhi High Court had warned all hospitals in the national capital not to deny admission to dengue and chikungunya patients and asked the Centre and AAP government to engage retired personnel, if needed, to increase the strength of doctors and paramedics to meet exigencies.

As per reports, at least 34 people have lost their lives due to chikungunya and dengue which have affected close to 4,000 people in the national capital this year.