Delhi's Coldest Night: Shelters Full, Patients on Streets

Delhi faced its coldest night in two years on January 11, 2026, with the minimum temperature dropping to 4.2°C. Despite a 'very poor' air quality index and forecasts of cold wave conditions, many of the city's night shelters are operating beyond capacity, leaving individuals like tuberculosis patient Channu Shah sleeping on pavements outside hospitals. The severe lack of accommodation forces vulnerable people to endure freezing temperatures.

An inspection revealed that most of Delhi's night shelters are failing to meet prescribed norms. Deficiencies include overcrowding, lack of hot water, unhygienic conditions, and non-functional toilets. While the government stated 197 shelter homes are operational, this is insufficient to meet the demand, particularly around major hospitals where patient-attendants struggle to find shelter.

Non-governmental organizations highlight systemic gaps in winter preparedness, questioning the government's procurement of essential items like blankets. As the winter deepens, thousands continue to rely on these fragile lifelines, with many still left to face the harsh cold on the streets, underscoring a critical need for improved shelter infrastructure and services.