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Delhi Homeless Shelters Miss Deadline Amid Cold Snap
22 Nov
Summary
- Delhi government failed to open 250 temporary shelters by deadline.
- Existing shelters struggle with broken amenities and overcrowding.
- Night temperatures are dropping significantly, nearing 9-11°C.
The Delhi government has failed to meet its November 15 deadline for opening 250 temporary night shelters for the homeless. Work is lagging significantly, with many sites still in the initial stages of preparation. This delay comes as night temperatures in the city have noticeably dropped, with forecasts predicting a further dip to 9-11°C.
Caretakers at existing permanent shelters report that temporary facilities will take several more days to become fully operational. Meanwhile, the 197 permanent shelters are already facing challenges, including issues with basic amenities such as non-functional hot water dispensers, broken toilets, and rodent-damaged mattresses, exacerbating the difficult conditions for residents.
Despite the announced winter action plan running from November 15 to March 15, with the objective of providing shelter and safety to every homeless person, the on-ground reality paints a different picture. Spot checks revealed that some planned temporary shelter sites have not yet begun construction, with preparations only in their nascent stages, leaving the most vulnerable exposed to the cold.
