HC raps govt agencies for ignoring common people's interest

The Delhi High Court today rapped government agencies for ignoring health and hygiene of common people and showing interest only in getting clearances for commercial construction projects.
"It (infrastructure) is already crumbling. We are all lost. The babus only see the size of the windows and size of the staircases. No one is worried about the health and hygiene of the people of the area.
"We are only concerned with our plan and how it gets the approval. No one is looking at the larger public interest. You have to see problem of the each and every individual of the society," Justice Manmohan said.

The court's observation came during the hearing of a plea filed by senior lawyer Aman Lekhi seeking directions to the authorities to restore the residential nature of South Extension area and its adjoining places in south Delhi.
The plea opposes the clearance given by authorities including New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) to construct over one lakh sq mt of commercial space in the South Ex area, where residential construction was proposed earlier.
The court also asked the office of Lieutenant Governor Najeeb to take a decision, by taking into account the views of all stakeholders, on the commercialisation and redevelopment projects, to be executed in South Extension-II and Kidwai Nagar area here.

"Examine the concerns of everyone. We should take care of the people. We must see that whether their right to life is infringed or not. We are stuck up in small matter and small nitty-gritty. Life of the residents is of utmost importance," it said, adding the interest of common people be safeguarded.

The court said the the question whether the existing infrastructure can bear the burden of the upcoming projects or not be also examined.
It said no third party rights be created in the upcoming commercial space till the issue is resolved and fixed the matter for hearing on September 29 after the LG takes a decision.

It said the LG will exam the existing infrastructure in the area.