In the midst of an intensifying cold wave, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) has stepped up efforts to protect homeless individuals from the extreme cold by relocating them to community shelters.
The BMC move came after reports suggested that at least three homeless people have succumbed to the extreme cold over the last few days.
Municipal staff are actively advising those found spending the night on streets, footpaths, and open spaces to move to Rain Basera night shelters. Municipal workers are even offering free rides to these facilities.
BMC operates 15 permanent and temporary shelters across the city, equipped with beds, blankets, electric heaters, drinking water, and toilet facilities for the comfort of those in need.
BMC Commissioner Harendra Narayan has directed civic officials and staff to increase patrols at known homeless hotspots—VIP Road, Bairagarh Road, bus stands, and railway stations.
The enhanced monitoring ensures that no one is left out in the cold, with municipal vehicles transporting individuals to nearby shelters during the ongoing cold wave.
The initiative is part of the city's broader effort to provide relief and ensure the safety of vulnerable populations during the winter months.
Earlier this week, three homeless deaths were reported from the Hanumanganj and Kotwali areas of the city. Though it was believed that the castaways had succumbed to the extreme cold, the civic body is yet to confirm or deny these speculations.
