'Learn from Mumbai': SC asks Centre to examine 'Mumbai Model' over Delhi oxygen crisis

The Centre's appeal against the Delhi High Court's Tuesday order on the issue of oxygen crisis was heard in the Supreme Court.

The apex court on Wednesday said it was the Centre's responsibility to comply with the order.The SC asked the Centre to comply with the court's orders of supplying 700 MT oxygen to Delhi daily from 3 May as the "pandemic in Delhi is at a very critical stage".

However, Justice Chandrachud asked, "We had passed orders for 700 metric tonnes...we can review it later...we are answerable to the citizens of Delhi...which is the best way to ensure 700 tonnes to Delhi?"

The Centre said, "We are in the process of increasing Delhi's oxygen to 700 MT. Yesterday we reached 585 MT. The allotted quantity was 590 MT. We stretched ourselves and reached 585 MT somehow.

The Supreme Court recommended that the Centre should learn from Mumbai and take note from the Bombay Municipal Corporation as it has done a good job in managing oxygen supplies.

"Bombay Municipal Corporation has done some remarkable work and not disrespecting Delhi but we can maybe see what was done by BMC. Maharashtra is also an oxygen supply state," Justice Chandrachud said.

The Supreme Court has said that throwing four officers in jail will not bring oxygen. We have to focus on saving lives. Coronavoris situation in Delhi has become worse.The Supreme Court has also asked the Centre about the oxygen supply allocated to Delhi in the last three days.

"We had indicated creating a buffer stock. If this can be done in Mumbai, which is thickly populated, it can certainly be done in Delhi," Justice Chandrachud said, recommending that the Chief Secretary of the Union Health Ministry speak with the Mumbai Municipal Commissioner on the matter.

The Center had filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the contempt notice issued by the Delhi High Court for failing to comply with the oxygen supply order in the capital.The same petition was heard today.