High Court expresses displeasure over lethargy of UP government

Lucknow: The High Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure over lethargy of the state government in tackling dengue menace across the state. The bench said that government did not act against the erring officials whose ignorance led to many dengue deaths in the state.

A division bench of Justice AP Sahi and Justice DK Upadhyay stated, "The manner in which entire issue is being dealt with by the state government compels us to think and observe that this court is actually being turned into a court of public administration which actually is a reflection of failure on the part of the government officials in performance of their duties."

The bench directed the UP Pollution Control Board to furnish a report, before the HC on December 5, regarding whether the Shivri waste management plant is functioning properly, and if not, what steps can be taken to make it functional forthwith. The HC said that spread of any communicable disease such as dengue and cleanliness are co-related.

The PIL:

• The orders were passed by the bench while hearing several Public Interest Litigations (PILs) which alleged that the state government had failed to take serious steps to prevent dengue menace.
• It may be recalled that the court in its earlier hearings, had termed it as constitutional failure of the state government to protect citizens from deadly disease like dengue. Chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar had then assured the high court that the state would take effective steps in this regard.

At least 10 dengue cases were reported in state capital on Wednesday last, taking the tally of affected people to 942.