The ongoing severe cold wave conditions in the national capital have prompted the Delhi government to increase its efforts in protecting the vulnerable by providing increased night shelter facilities. The temperatures have shown a sharp drop during the night and early morning hours, and the government has increased arrangements to ensure that people living on the streets or in dangerous areas, which can prove to be life-threatening in the cold weather, get protection.
Meanwhile, officials from the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) said that more temporary shelters have also been started at prominent places like train stations, bus stands, markets, and populated areas. These temporary shelters are also equipped with basic facilities like bedding, blankets, drinking water, and heating provisions.
As per a report, there are currently hundreds of permanent and temporary night shelters functioning in Delhi, and arrangements are being made to enhance capacity during winters. When temperatures plummeted further this week, officials were told to remain vigilant and take immediate action whenever there are instances of people sleeping on roads. Mobile units have been deployed to root out homeless people and direct them to nearby shelters.
According to officials, the measure is part of the government’s winter response plan that is activated annually with the intention of avoiding deaths caused by cold weather conditions. Special attention is being given to senior citizens, children, and daily wage earners who are most at risk due to cold stress. Health professionals have been asked to remain on standby in case of emergencies resulting from cases of hypothermia or respiratory infections.
The shelter staff has reported increased occupancy at a higher level in recent nights because of increasing cold weather. It has been observed that a large number of people, who normally do not prefer to take shelter in shelters, are forced to do so because of low temperatures and fog. Volunteers and NGOs are also helping to distribute warm clothes, food packets, and blankets among the needy.
Health experts have reported that if people are subjected to cold temperatures, it may cause them serious ailments like hypothermia, pneumonia, or accelerated progression of chronic respiratory disease. This risk increases in people sleeping in the open, especially when there are foggy conditions in the night, so that the temperature feels lower than the actual reading.
Apart from the provision of shelter facilities, warnings have also been sent advising the public to notify the relevant authorities or the hotline numbers when they notice the homeless sleeping in open places. The control rooms are working around the clock. The police have also been directed to help in the rearrangement of the vulnerable to the shelters during their night patrols.
The Delhi government has made it clear that no body will be denied the right to enter night shelters during the extreme cold weather. According to officials, there are no requirements for Identity Cards, and all are free to enter night shelters irrespective of their background. Special night shelters have been allocated for women, families, and the physically handicapped.
However, there are still some challenges. Some of the shelters are experiencing congestion during the peak cold evenings, while others are experiencing a shortage of staff. However, the government has assured that if the temperature goes lower, resources will be deployed. The district magistrates have been ordered to conduct surprise visits to ensure that the shelters are functioning properly.
The residents and social activists have praised the government for providing the improved shelter facilities but requested the government to ensure the provision of appropriate quality. Additionally, the residents requested the government to find an appropriate solution for the homeless population.
Forecasters have also indicated that the cold wave conditions may continue for the next few days with low night temperatures. In view of the situation, the government has announced that the relief activities will continue to be closely monitored. The rise in night shelters is an indication that the city is managing its urban woes while taking care of its humanitarian needs, especially during adverse weather changes. With winters closing in on Delhi, efforts are being made to ensure that no life is lost due to this extreme weather condition.
