Thread by @indialegalmedia

#DelhiHC to shortly begin special hearing on another plea relating to the COVID crisis in Delhi

The matter will be heard by a division bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli

The petition is by Maharaja Agrasen Hospital

Adv Alok Kr Aggarwal for Maharaja Agrasen Hospital - My Lords we are running two hospitals in Delhi with 306 patients.

@MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

We almost ran out of oxygen last night.

We must thank Mr Rahul Mehra but we will run out this afternoon.

We are discharging patients. We have already discharged. We did beg, borrow in the streets. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

It's the same story everyday, what's the supply front?: Court

ASG Chetan Sharma for Central govt: Officers have not slept the whole time.

@MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #COVID19 #OxygenCrisis

24*7 real time monitoring is happening. Anxieties are well placed. We are fighting the battle of our lives, ASG. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #COVID19 #OxygenCrisis

ASG Sharma: Aircrafts have gone to Durgapur.. logistical difficulties are coming in.

Filling of tankers takes time. We are working overtime with State authorities. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #COVID19 #OxygenCrisis

We are working on minute to minute basis. I spoke to the Nodal officer of the Delhi govt Mr Udit, I also had a word with Delhi Chief Secretary.
@MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

The Delhi govt had also linked some smaller hospitals with certain bigger ones. Entire supply chain has to be re worked: Piyush Goyal, Additional Secretary, Home Ministry (Central govt officer) @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

What about Kalinga Nagar and Rourkela? : Court

Airforce has worked out a plan for Durgapur. Filled up tanks can't be brought via air. Not aware of other two locations: Addl Secy Goyal

Court asks about the Railways plan
@MoHFW_INDIA @RailMinIndia @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

I believe something is being worked out for other cities including Delhi. No stone is being left unturned: Addl Secy Goyal

@MoHFW_INDIA @RailMinIndia @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

Court asks ASG Sharma and Addl Secy to place the said information on record

Court: What is the schedule, turn around time. Place that before us.. so that allocation is met.
@MoHFW_INDIA @RailMinIndia @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

Adv Alok Kr Aggarwal: There are 106 in critical care. I'll have to otherwise discharge patients.

We need immediately some oxygen so that bare minimum is met.
@MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

Today it is you, yesterday it was some other. We are reading the papers. We are aware of the situation: Court

Adv Alok Kr Aggarwal: We need security cover as we won't be able to take any more patients. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

Senior Adv Rahul Mehra appearing for Delhi govt

Allocation is of 480MT but what we are getting 350-380MT.

Yesterday we received 295 MT. Instead of increasing, my allocation get reduced.

@MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

Court questions Mehra as to why supplies, allocations falls short

Mehra responds:-

Inox has a complete chain. Though Inox was to supply initially, we now have Air Linde and others who are just producers.

#Mehra: Inox will go there and pick it up. Since Inox is not under any contract on some days they do, some days they don't.

Right now because of total chaotic situation... completely mismanaged functioning.

#Mehra: We are micro managing. Please formulate something right now.

If we don't get 480, there is some incident going to happen.

Mehra states that the number of Delhi govt nodal officers shall be increased.

Delhi govt should have 10 IAS officers at the top monitoring it. And 14 DANICS officers. We have 140 hospitals and nursing homes. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis #COVIDEmergency2021

Rahul Mehra: Some hospitals have a hold on the supply chain and even they can't get it.. wherever these plants are situated, local officers are sitting there. They are only rationing it at the end and are diverting to their own States.
@MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

Court: Any specific instances will have to be brought to life. We will initiate proceedings right away.

Mehra: I will do in-camera proceedings. Otherwise they can't function. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis

Ms Sumita Dawra, Central govt officer briefing the court - I would like to place the narrative from our side.

I'm not aware where these figures are coming from.

140 MT movement has gone: Dawra says
#OxygenCrisis @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty

There were no problems expect local logistics in Delhi: Dawra

There is no clarity on how much has to go to which hospital. I have informed the Delhi govt: Dawra

There is last mile disruption in delivering of oxygen: Dawra

#OxygenCrisis @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty

Court: We know what is going on. Let us concentrate on the problem. Whichever is the supplier this 100 MT has to come.

Mehra: Exactly this, there is a cascading effort. We start doing pro rata distribution. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #COVID19

There is some communication gap: SG Mehta as he asks for some officer to join the proceedings. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #COVID19 #OxygenCrisis

The court is dealing with a humanitarian problem. I don't want any officer to waste time here but my officers are here to assist : SG Mehta

There is merit in this point, if someone was there from Delhi govt, more info could be shared and questions be answered: Court

We have placed everything on record: Mehra says as he shares document regarding allocation and supply. @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty #OxygenCrisis #COVID19

Central goverment officer Piyush Goyal seeks permission to address the court

Goyal: I spoke to Nodal officer on Delhi over non supply from Rourkela.

The supply was ready but nobody was there to take it.

All other States are collaborating for tankers, railway. For Delhi, it's like they are to be served on the platter. We are helping States. Delhi officers need to do that.

Please don't treat it as an allegation : SG Mehta

I'll request the Chief Secretary to join: Rahul Mehra

Situation in Batra Hospital.. 33 are in ICU and 160 require oxygen.

I received a tanker which will last not more than one hour : Batra Hospital's counsel

We will also run out : Maharaja Agrasen

Ultimately you have to go to nodal officer. We are not in a position to direct supply: Court

Senior advocate Sachin Dutta appearing for Jaipur Golden Hospital: Yesterday 25 people died because we didn't have oxygen supply.

We are literally gasping for breath. We have already lost lives.

Patients are losing lives. We have 30-45 mins oxygen left : Dutta @MoHFW_INDIA

Delhi govt's allocation to hospital shall be shared: Rakesh Malhotra @MoHFW_INDIA @AamAadmiParty

Court: We will surely pass a direction that Delhi govt shall be informed which supplier is supplying how much to which hospital. @AamAadmiParty @MoHFW_INDIA #OxygenCrisis

There has to be some mechanism at Delhi Govt level. There has to be some system: SG

We are putting a system in place : Mehra

Start it immediately: SG Mehta @AamAadmiParty @MoHFW_INDIA

There are groups working on this. We will update: Sumita Dawra.

Dawra: In roorkee, vehicle didn't reach from Delhi. Maharashtra is mobilising vehicles and sending them.
State Govt is taking a lot of interest.

Court: There are no heavy industries in Delhi. You don't have nitrogen, argan tanks. They can't do it.

Central govt officer Piyush Goyal: I spoke to Chief Secretary Delhi. I asked him to work out a mechanism for real time update.

Goyal: Right now we are on request basis but we are working on a mechanism. @AamAadmiParty @MoHFW_INDIA #OxygenCrisis

Court: Nobody is saying you are not working or being unfair but the citizens can't be allowed to die like this.

SG Mehta: I am just saying that let's not be a cry baby.

Mehra: Mr. Mehta please let me speak.

Mehta: Enough is enough Mr. Mehra, I've been trying to control myself, but you are constantly trying to create perceptions

You're not fighting elections here: SG Mehta to Mehra as they engage in a verbal scuffle

Dr Ashish Verma, Delhi govt officer joins the meeting.

Addl Secy Goyal - It's first time in the history that tankers have been lifted by Air Force. The Centre has facilitated it.

There seem to be a mechanism gap. Certain steps which you were required to take have not taken place: Court

Court: Once this virtual room is there, you are expected to be doing these things directly through them and not through us.

When other States are doing this, there's no excuse why you are not.

Central govt officer Dawra informs that even for arrangement of tankers there exists a body.

Usually suppliers have tankers. Tankers are in factories. Tanks are being captured by local authorities: Mehra

Air liquide is not providing tankers. Delhi govt with limited resources, got tankers and is sending them : Mehra

Court begins questioning OSD Health, Delhi govt, Ashish Verma

Court: What endeavour have you made on tanker front.

Verma: We are seeing what we can do with Nitrogen, Argon tankers in Delhi

Court: You don't have tankers in Delhi

Verma responds - We are contacting the tankers.

Verma: We will widen our efforts

Court expressing displeasure over Verma submission: What have you done?

Have you contacted the plants? Have you made an effort there? Whose fault is it?

Dutta intervenes - If Mr Mehra's (Delhi govt) house was in order, I would not be in a predicament.

SG Mehta says govts talk to suppliers for tankers.

Now that Delhi govt has been sensitised.. on this forum you've been told. Please start this process right away. So that tankers are made available: Court tells SG Mehta

SG Mehta: Let's not stop them from requisitioning tankers:

Please arrange tankers so O2 can be transported: Court

SG Mehta: Once tanker reaches Delhi, wish there is some system to supply to each hospital allocation wise.

UP has gps tag for real time tracking. Technology is a thing today.

You should have somebody looking at procuring tankers for Delhi and other UTs: Court

SG: We have not faced with problem elsewhere. All States and UTs are arranging on their own way even those who are not industrial states.

Court proceeds to next aspect regarding a study by IIT which says peak would come in May mid.

Court questions: How are we preparing as on date to deal with mid May.

What are the projections.. we are aware this disease has a low mortality...some will eventually die.

What is not good that where people who could be saved, we are losing those.

SG assures that the said aspect is being looked into.

There may be a rapid rise, we shall be ready with the worse: SG

SG: 50k MT oxygen is being imported. Others areas are being augmented.

Wherever possible, oxygen production is being tapped.

SG: A message has gone from the Prime Minister and Home Minister to suppliers that if they send oxygen to chosen parties, they would straight away go to jail.

Ms Dawra:. Today also we are sitting. We are sitting with manufacturers and considering constructive suggestions.

When do we expect the supply of 480 MT. *Whoever is at fault is at fault. Ultimately the citizens would suffer : Court*

Delhi will have a meeting with suppliers. Railways is ready: Dawra

It's just tankers. UP brought in 48 hours: Dawra

Mehra: Regarding transportation, centre will look into the mechanism and Delhi govt would send a letter.

SG: It should have been done three days ago.

It was because of your assurance: Mehra

Your officials will also not be so naive, says Court.

Court as a suggestion asks Dawra that since tankers have gone to Durgapur, can more than that allocated be given.

Could you transfer 100 MT from Durgapur?: Court asks Dawra

We'll examine. There may be other tankers from other States: Dawra.

Central govt officer Goyal - I have checked with sub committee because of huge surge, there is shortage of tankers. Hence imports.

They have spoken to industrialists. Delhi, Centre have to work together.

They can't leave the hospitals in the lurch. Yesterday I lost 21 lives: Dutta

Delhi is not an oxygen producing State. If they don't know, how can they communicate: Court

Would the court at least direct NCT of take necessary steps. They are already in last 45 mins : Dutta

Adv Prabhsahay Kaur for Saroj Hospital : We have 5 mins left and 40 mins backup. If 10 MT can be given to these four hospitals, we will tide over today.

You can keep the Hospitals in confidence so that they can inform the families: Dutta

We have heard enough: Court

Central govt officer Goyal: The Nodal Officer Delhi is in touch with suppliers.

I personally have been taken update from him. It is not that he is not aware.

Supply is there. Issue is of transportation: Goyal

Goyal: We are fully aware of everything of Supply front.

Mehra: We are not aware of what is being finally delivered to which hospital.

One hospital has 4-5 days when others are suffering.

No State is finding this difficulty. There should be some introspection : SG

Dutta too joins SG's submissions: It's a complete apathy of your officers Mr Mehra.

Court begins recording order

The problems that Delhi continues to face arise primarily on account if the fact that supply of oxygen even at the allocated rate is not taking place. Reasons appear to be several: Court

So far as Durgapur is concerned, tanks are being filled. Railways in waiting to transport as soon as it is loaded: Court records

Court notes that for Rourkela and Kalinga nagar, Delhi govt has not arranged tanks yet.

"Let GNCTD take steps in this regard with help of the sub group. In case tanks are in short supply, we are hopeful that Centre shall create a system for rotational use," court says.

SG requests that the same not be recorded.

Were only making a suggestion Mr Mehta.

Court tweaks its order.

Court notes in the order that Delhi govt shall continue its efforts and not leave it to the Centre.

"Efforts by GNCTD cannot be discounted. Can't leave it to central government," the court said.

Court continues to record the order - GNCTD shall continue its effort. The sub group/War Room shall also help in this regard.

Court: We direct all suppliers to provide complete details of oxygen they supply in Delhi by providing details of hospitals.

Details be given to the Nodal officer: Court

Court now records submissions of Mr Mehra regarding setting up of team of IAS and DANICS officer who would coordinate with hospitals regarding supply of O2.

Court: Even the re fillers are not providing info. We provide re fillers to provide complete into the GNCTD.

Once complete team is readied by GNCTD, it should be communicated to hospitals and uploaded on website.

Court asks govt to consider augmentation of resources in view of upcoming peak projected by experts.

Mr Mehta states govt is conscious of this: Court records.

Two tankers have already reached Delhi. They will reach others also, just contact the Nodal Officer: SG Mehta

Maharaja Agrasen Hospital's counsel Adv Alok Aggarwal seeks police cover.

Other hospitals also seek oxygen.

They will do. We have passed the orders yesterday: Court.

Let authorities address the demands of oxygen: Dutta

Batra Hospital: Any quantity that is available be provided so that we tide over.. life is very precious.

Even doctors won't be able to help : Batra Hospital counsel Tushar

Our LMO is over, backup would go off in 40 mins: Prabhsahay for Saroj Hospital

Court records their submissions, Requirements have been taken note of by Mr Mehra and Satyakam.

Court notes their demand will be considered when oxygen is received during the course of the day.