The Delhi Government has come up with a range of facilities including blanket, TV sets, geyser, mattress, pillow, tea and snacks to attract homeless in the national Capital to spend their nights in shelters instead of footpaths, people who were forced to sleep under sky in the chilling winter, have reasons to smile as the move has ensured a great relief to them.
The shelters built by Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) are equipped with the facilities like lED, geyser, and tiles flooring rooms and cleaned blanket and well-maintained washrooms. Besides, tea and breakfast are also being served to them.
"We are running 55 such shelters spread across Delhi. Four winter rescue team are deployed to rescue homeless. They are rescued by NGOs and bring to the shelter," he said, adding that 30 to 40 people rescued every night," said Anil Verma, field coordinator of SPYM NGO.
Nitesh Kumar, project Coordinator of SYPM said that DUSIB has launched night shelter App. "Any one can capture homeless sleeping on footpaths and upload the pictures on the App. This information will automatically forwarded to field coordinator and rescue operation begin soon after getting information," he said.
One of the care takers of a night shelter at Kashmiri gate said that homeless are being served morning tea and rusk. "A team of doctors has also been there to visit the night shelters. He further said that regular inspections are also being done by the officials of these shelters and senior members of the NGO, which runs the shelter.
Mangu Thakur, a labourer from Aligarh while watching news on television at a night shelter at Delhi Gate, said he never thought to have all the facilities without spending even a single penny.
"All the required facilities like blankets, bed, tea and snacks are being provided here free of cost. Now I can live here happily, he said, adding that he had to spend Rs 50 to 70 for tea and food but now he can save it for his family.
Hira Pawan, who hails from Bihar and earns his livelihood by working in a factory, said that he came in Delhi for earning his livelihood a month ago.
"I still do not have any job but I can spend my nights in succour. I search for jobs in day and return back to shelter at night. This is great move and I am thankful towards authorities. I spent many nights on the pavement and rescued by a team and brought back at shelter at Kashmiri Gate," he added.
"We are given facilities like clean bathrooms and even staffs here are very cooperative. We all are being treated with dignity," he said.
A senior DUSIB official said that at present, many shelters have been equipped with geysers and 24*7 electricity. Besides TV sets has also been installed in shelters for the entertainment of the residents.
"There are 193 night shelter currently being operated. Out of which, 78 are functioning in permanent buildings and 115 from porta cabins. Besides, 45 tents has also been installed to carter the need of homeless," he added.