Delhi HC asks Delhi govt to provide details of PPE kits provided to sanitation workers

Delhi High Court Monday asked AAP government and three municipal corporations to give details of number of sanitation workers in ir jurisdictions and number of PPE kits provided to m on a day-to-day basis during COVID-19 pandemic. A bench of Justices Hima Kohli and Subramonium Prasad issued direction after ting that affidavit and status reports filed by Delhi government and three municipal corporations were incomplete.

READ: Tis Hazari Court Clash: Delhi HC Extends Time Till Dec 31 To Complete Probe

Delhi HC issues directive 

"This is a critical area considering submission made by counsel for petitioners in captioned case that bio-medical waste is being dumped at common dumping grounds which can itself be a breeding ground of COVID-19 infection. If any person unkwingly comes in contact with infected PPE kits as also gloves, masks, etc n he could be infected. This is particularly a matter of concern as scavengers will be first ones to be exposed to infection.

READ: PIL In Delhi HC For Direction To Delhi Govt To Provide Basic Facilities To Migrant Labourers

bench said issue of disposal of bio-medical waste also needs to be addressed, saying it was a "critical area" in view of petitioners contention that such waste was being dumped in common dumping grounds which in itself can become a breeding ground of COVID-19 infection.

" affidavits of civic authorities are devoid of material particulars and do t throw any light on number of Safai Karamcharis in ir jurisdiction vis-a-vis number of masks, gloves and or PPE kits that are provided to m on a day to day basis. r do affidavits of any of aforesaid bodies indicate number of containment zones declared in ir jurisdiction for this court to understand as to wher requirements of Safai Karamcharis in those areas which are more critical, have been adequately met or t," court said.

READ: Delhi HC Asks Centre, RBI To Consider Issues Faced By Scam-hit PMC Bank Depositors

Delhi government, in affidavit filed through its additional standing counsel Gautam Narayan, has said that a PPE kit comprises of coveralls, masks, gloves and goggles and it has been receiving se components separately from HLL Lifecare Ltd, a government of India enterprise.

"It is respectfully submitted that PPE kits are t a fool-proof safeguard against virus, but are only measures taken as a precaution to prevent contracting virus to best possible extent," it has said in its affidavit. 

READ: After Incidents Of Online Fraud, Delhi CEO Asks People To Visit EC Website For Info