MCD asks agencies to shift homeless to shelters ahead of global summits
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has asked multiple agencies, including the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), Delhi Police and the Public Works Department (PWD), to shift homeless people staying under flyovers, on footpaths and central verges to shelter homes ahead of two international summits scheduled in the national Capital later this month.
In its bid to prepare for the upcoming summit, the MCD, in its May 4 communication, said the exercise was being planned in view of the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) 2026 and the first International Big Cats Alliance (IBCA) Summit, scheduled to be held at the Bharat Mandapam from May 28 to June 1.
The letter, issued by the deputy commissioner (DC) of MCD’s Central Zone to agencies, said joint field inspections had found homeless persons “temporarily residing or congregating” on footpaths, central verges and beneath flyovers along important arterial roads, many of which fall under the jurisdiction of PWD.
“This is resulting in sanitation challenges, unhygienic conditions and compromised aesthetics of key stretches in the city,” the letter read.
The civic body, in its communication, said that Delhi is expected to host heads of state and Government, along with representatives of international organisations, and several public spaces, transit corridors, hotels and heritage sites will come under international scrutiny during the events. Civic officials noted that all its zones were carrying out focused interventions aimed at improving cleanliness, urban aesthetics and overall city presentation around summit venues, airport and hotel routes, markets, tourist spots and heritage areas.
According to the communication, DUSIB has been asked to shift homeless persons to nearby notified shelter homes while ensuring their safety, dignity and access to basic amenities.
Furthermore, the corporation has instructed all deputy commissioners that all beautification, sanitation, and branding-related tasks must be completed “well in advance of the summits” and continuously monitored throughout the event period.
The PWD has been directed to identify such locations under flyovers and coordinate the shifting operations with other agencies. It has also been asked to ensure cleaning, sanitisation and upkeep of these areas after the exercise.
Additionally, the Delhi Police has been asked to assist during the shifting process and ensure that re-encroachment does not take place under flyovers and on footpaths.
The Revenue Department has also been asked to supervise the exercise on the ground through executive magistrates wherever required. The letter highlighted that the measures were necessary to maintain public health, safety, cleanliness and a “dignified urban environment” during the summit period.
Main key roads identified for the summit include several roads and public places identified for focused action, including Mahatma Gandhi Road, Mathura Road, Lodhi Road, Tilak Marg, Sri Aurobindo Marg and stretches around AIIMS and Dhaula Kuan.
Markets such as South Extension, Lajpat Nagar, GK-I and GK-II, Nehru Place and Chandni Chowk have also been included, along with tourist and heritage locations such as Rajghat, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple and Red Fort. Several hotels are expected to host delegates, including The Lodhi, Hyatt Regency, Sheraton Saket and properties in Aerocity and Dwarka.
