After facing all-round flak for carrying out demolition in Shakur Basti, the Delhi division of Railways has lent a helping hand to the displaced people by providing them relief material and arranging basic amenities. More than 5,000 people have been rendered homeless in this biting cold following the controversial demolition drive.
“We have provided the residents with medical aid and food. Since December 17, we have stationed three ambulances along with doctors in the area from 9 am to 4 pm so that the displaced people can get proper medical facilities,” said Delhi Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Arun Arora.
Food packages and raw materials have also been distributed the displaced people. “On December 17, we provided 1,000 food packages each in the morning and evening including tea and biscuits to the residents which we then increased it to 2,000 the next day as per the requirement. later on DUSIB asked us to provide 3,500 packets for the next three days which went on till December 22,” Arora added.
Following NHRC’s proposal, raw food materials instead of cooked food were provided the people. “A kit of 5 kg rice, half kg Dal and a packet of salt have been provided to 1,360 families on a daily basis since December 23. Other than this, DUSIB has provided tents, blankets and mobile toilets to help the residents beat the cold.
At least 1,200 shanties were demolished in the anti-encroachment drive by the Railways. The drive triggered widespread criticism following the death of a six-month-old baby in the area. The incident has evoked angry protests from Kejriwal who wanted murder case to be registered against the Railway officials and ordered a magisterial probe into it.