“14 deaths cannot be a coincidence…”: Delhi High Court orders Jal Board to test the water quality at Asha Kiran Shelter in light of the recent deaths

The Delhi High Court on Monday ordered the Delhi Jal Board to test and submit a report on the quality of water and the condition of water in the sewer lines of the Asha Kiran shelter in light of the death of 14 occupants in the month of July. According to reports, since February this year, a total of 25 occupants have died in this shelter meant for individuals with mental health issues, July alone recorded 14 deaths.

"A cursory glance at the summary shows that all the deaths were because the patients were suffering from TB. Delhi Jal Board is directed to test the quality of water forthwith as well as the condition of water and sewer pipelines and file a report," directed the Delhi High Court, adding that the authorities must decongest the home meant for mentally challenged individuals. The court noted that if there are too many occupants residing in the shelter, some of them must be shifted to other places.

"There are too many deaths in a short span of time. 14 deaths in number. It cannot be a coincidence,” noted the Delhi High Court. A bench of Justices Manmohand and Tushar Rao Gadela also directed the Social Welfare secretary to file a report on the living conditions of the patients residing in the Asha Kiran shelter, stating that 14 deaths cannot be a mere coincidence.

According to reports, since the month of February this year, 25 inmates of the Asha Kiran Shelter meant for mentally challenged people in Delhi’s Rohini died. 14 occupants died in the Month of July alone. Delhi minister and AAP leader Atishi on Friday had ordered a magisterial probe into the deaths in the shelter. “It is very shocking to hear such bad news in the Capital city of Delhi, and we cannot tolerate such lapses if found true. This is a very serious issue and needs to be thoroughly investigated,” said Delhi Revenue Minister Atishi.​