Delhi HC directs Centre to consider representation seeking a single nodal agency to carry out disaster management operations in NCR

The Delhi High Court has directed Central Government to consider as representation a petition seeking the appointment/designation of a single nodal agency to carry out disaster management operations in the National Capital Region under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, 1985 and Disaster Management Act. (Arjun Narag vs UOI & ors).The order was passed by a Division Bench of Chief Justice DN Patel and Justice Prateek Jalan in the PIL preferred by Arjun Narang. .National Capital Region Planning Board Act was enacted with a view to harmonize and coordinate the development of the National Capital Region and to avoid haphazard development in the areas falling under Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Rajasthan. .The Petitioner pointed out that according to a 'Study on Health Infrastructure in NCR', which was published by National Capital Region Planning Board in December 2015, there were several key gaps in the health infrastructure of Delhi and other NCR region, resulting in their disharmonious development..The Petitioner thus sought the issuance of directions to the Central Government and State Governments of NCR region to work in tandem and provide a single set of parameters/directions/guidelines in relation to health infrastructure and disaster management pursuant to a common COVID-19 response plan..Relying on Section 7 of the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, the Petitioner also stated that the Central Government and other agencies concerned must effectively implement the Regional Plans under the Act and also to implement the suggestions qua health infrastructure and disaster management. .Direction to the Central Government was also sought to implement the Regional Plan 2021 under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act..After canvassing some arguments, the Petitioner submitted before the Court that it would suffice if the PIL is treated as a representation by the Central Government and other authorities..The Court thus ordered, .Looking to the limited submission of the learned counsel for the petitioner, we hereby request the concerned respondent authorities to consider the grievances/suggestions as pointed out in this writ petition, specially the synchronization of the work under the National Capital Region Planning Board Act, 1985 and the National Disaster Management Act, 2005 under a single nodal agencyDelhi High Court.This exercise will be carried out as early and practicable as possible, the Court said..The petition was accordingly disposed of. .Advocates Pavan Narang, Shantanu Singh appeared along with petitioner-in-person..ASG Chetan Sharma with Standing Counsel Amit Mahajan and Advocates Dhruv Pande, Gitesh Chopra represented UOI..Advocate Rishikesh Kumar appeared for Delhi Government. .Senior Additional Advocate General Anil Grover with Advocates Mishal Viz, Satish Kumar represented Haryana Government. .Read the Order: