Shimla, Jun 17
Demanding increase of RT PCR testing in Himachal Pradesh, petitioner stated before the Himachal Pradesh High court that lifting of RT PCR test condition for entry into state could be a recipe for disaster. Division bench comprising of Chief Justice Narayana Swamy and Justice Anoop Chitkara were hearing a PIL regarding Covid pandemic on Wednesday.
The counsel for the petitioner Vandana Mishra informed that during the course of hearing before the High court bench it was plead that lifting of RT-PCR negative test condition for entry of people from outside the state could lead to disasterous consequences. The petitioner also pointed that despite the court order to increase Covid testing from 20,000 to 30,000 per day the state Government did not achieve the same. They argued that State government should not lift the condition of RT PCR negative test report as it could be recipe for the disaster.
On their plea Court asked the state to file the
reply on next hearing as to why it waived off the condition of RT-PCR negative test report for the entry of tourists after Jun 14.
The petitioner pointed out that instead of increasing Covid testing the state has given relaxation in the condition of compulsory RT-PCR testing for those who are entering in the state. The Court has asked the state to explain why Covid testing was not increased and why was the RT-PCR testing condition waived off. The Counsel for the state demanded time to file the reply and the Court fixed this case for filing of reply by the respondent on Jun 21.
While hearing this PIL on May 29 High court had stated that testing of Covid should be increased from 20 to 30 thousand on war footing to tackle the pandemic. In the matter, the court had observed that RT PCR testing is not being conducted on the war footing .
The PIL was taken on court’s own motion over death of number of people due to insufficient ICUs, and Oxygenated bed. The petitioner Ashutosh Gupta pointed out before the court that patients died in want of Oxygen or ICU beds in Sirmour district recently.
