Yamuna floods: PIL in Delhi HC seeks immediate measures at relief camps

The PIL, filed through advocate KR Shiyas, states that the “lackadaisical response from authorities cost the livelihood of hundreds of poor and destroyed their sole shelter which contained household items and important documents which proves (their) existence…”

The plea claims around 25,000 people were affected directly or indirectly by the flood and they are living in extreme conditions at the relief camps without proper sanitation facilities and food.

It states that flood management is a state subject under the Constitution of India and the “primary onus is upon states to take steps to deal with it”.

“That the unprecedented flood rendered hundreds of people who reside in the Yamuna floodplain homeless and submerged several houses in the beds of Yamuna. In the alarming and unprecedented situation, the state machinery of the capital has failed to protect the life and livelihood of hundreds of people in the capital,” the plea states.

Among various directions, the plea seeks that the respondents be directed to ensure essential and quality food supply, community kitchens, and provide sanitary items.

The petitioner also sought directions to the Delhi government to notify this flood as a natural disaster under the Disaster Management Act, appoint a nodal officer to examine the loss that occurred, and conduct immediate surveys of flood victims in every camp. It has further sought a direction to the government to provide immediate cash assistance of Rs 50,000 for those who lost their belongings and homes.