News-Patiala
New Delhi, December 8
Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has set up 235 pagoda tents to provide shelter to the homeless during the cold winter nights. According to the Delhi government’s winter action plan 2024-25 launched on November 15, a total of 250 tents are to be installed. The remaining 15 tents are reserved for emergencies. An official said that each tent has been provided with essential amenities like door, blanket, toilet facilities and health check-up services as well as three meals a day. Security measures have also been taken, with eight guards assigned to each tent. For persons living in permanent shelter buildings, additional facilities like geysers for hot water are being provided to ensure a more comfortable stay during the colder months, he said. The Delhi government launched its Winter Action Plan on November 15 to meet the needs of the homeless. The agency is already running 197 shelters across the city with a total capacity of 7,092 people. The government has allocated Rs 3 crore for implementation of this initiative from November 15, 2023 to March 15, 2025. 16 rescue teams are being formed with the support of social mobilization agencies and NGOs. The official said that these teams will work daily from 10 pm to 4 am, rescuing persons sleeping in open spaces or roadsides. Each team will be equipped with a vehicle, a driver and two attendants to transport the rescued persons to nearby shelters or hospitals, if required. He said that a centralized control room has been set up to monitor rescue operations and coordinate information through helpline, mobile app and other sources.
DUSIB has collaborated with civic agencies to ensure that basic amenities like drinking water, electricity, and sanitation are available at all shelters. Additional facilities like television, hot water, blankets and lockers for personal belongings are also being provided. Repair and maintenance of existing shelters has been prioritized to ensure they remain in good condition through the winter. The official said that the Joint High Advisory Committee (JAAC), headed by the CEO of DUSIB, is coordinating various departments, including health, municipal corporations and police, to ensure smooth implementation of the scheme.