New Delhi, Dec 2 (UNI) Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has told Delhi government departments to safeguard the homeless, and also other vulnerable groups from cold in the winter season, as she reviewed the winter action plan for the year.
The state government has finalized comprehensive arrangements to protect homeless citizens during the winter season, and adequate night shelters are fully operational across the city.
The CM has stated that, under this year’s winter action plan, officials have been directed to ensure that hospitals do not face any shortage of blankets, or other essentials required to protect patients from the cold.
She has also instructed departments to identify and implement measures to safeguard schoolchildren from the adverse impact of low temperatures, and issued directions to ensure proper winter arrangements in Anganwadi and childcare centres.
She has also mandated that heaters and other protective facilities be provided for security guards deployed in government buildings.
On Tuesday, Gupta reviewed the action plan preparations in the presence of Chief Secretary Rajeev Verma and senior officials from all departments.
The CM was informed that arrangements have been made to provide safe shelters to the homeless and economically weaker sections during the winter months.
Officials reported that Delhi currently has 197 permanent night shelters with a holding capacity for approximately 18,000 individuals.
Of the 250 temporary night shelters planned across different localities, 204 have already been set up and equipped with the required facilities.
All shelters are currently operational and will be monitored continuously until March 15, to ensure that no homeless person faces any inconvenience.
Officials also informed the CM that the ‘Rain Basera’ mobile app continues to function effectively, to provide real-time information and ensure the safety of homeless citizens.
Following the meeting, CM Gupta reiterated her government’s commitment, and said, “Not a single citizen should be compelled to spend a cold winter night under the open sky.”
She said Delhi’s night shelters are not merely structures, they symbolise dignity and security.
Gupta has said each night shelter has been equipped with beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets, electricity supply, mosquito-control devices, water dispensers, CCTV and security arrangements for women.
According to the CM, under this year’s plan, the government has taken more effective measures than last year, and has expanded its scope to include not just the poor, but other vulnerable groups as well.
The CM emphasised that it is crucial to protect schoolchildren from the cold to avoid any adverse effects on their health, and officials have been directed to explore options for protecting schoolchildren, and, where possible, implement them through CSR partnerships.
