Controversy Arises Over Delhi's Rs 60 Crore Trauma Centre Fund Utilization
The Delhi government reported to the Supreme Court that funds originally intended for a trauma centre in memory of the Uphaar tragedy victims have been used for facilities at three hospitals. This diversion has sparked criticism from AVUT, who claim the fund's purposeful use has been neglected, flouting court orders.
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In a surprising turn of events, the Delhi government has informed the Supreme Court that Rs 60 crore allocated for a trauma centre to honor the 59 victims of the 1997 Uphaar cinema fire has been used in three existing hospitals. The court was told that the hospitals chosen for these upgrades include Sanjay Gandhi Memorial Hospital, Mangolpuri, Satyawadi Raja Harish Chander Hospital, Narela, and Siraspur Hospital, all located in underserved Delhi areas.
Despite the Supreme Court's initial direction for a trauma centre's construction in Dwarka, officials pointed out there were no government hospitals suitable for such a development at the time. Oddly, this news comes as the Indira Gandhi Hospital in Dwarka commenced operations in May 2021, with significant capacity aiding Dwarka residents.
This decision has ruffled feathers among members of the Association of Victims of Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT), particularly Neelam Krishnamoothy, who questions the authenticity of the Delhi government's compliance. A decade has lapsed since the Rs 60 crore fine, initially levied on the Ansal brothers, was earmarked for the trauma centre, but no tangible progress in Dwarka is evident.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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