The Delhi High Court on Tuesday criticised the Centre over the delay in banning the use of oxygen by industries amid the daily surge in Covid-19 cases.
The Central Government has banned the use of oxygen for industrial purposes, except for certain critical industries, to ensure continuous supply of oxygen for medical purposes, but the decision will come in effect from April 22.
While hearing a petition concerning the Covid situation in the national capital, the High Court demanded, “Why have you not banned it from today? Every life is very important and valuable.” The Delhi High Court also asked the Centre to inform it about the industries for which the oxygen supply cannot be curtailed.
Further, the High Court ordered increasing Covid beds in the hospitals which are able to generate oxygen for their use.
During the hearing, the Delhi court also raised concerns over the issues of vaccine wastage and hoarding of essential drugs, calling for the Centre to set norms for hoarders, and declared, “We are wasting precious time.”
In response, the Centre has stated that the government is taking all possible steps and is committed to provide feasible assistance to the Delhi Government as and when it is required.