Rescue drive launched for destitute and sick in Capital
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday launched a five-day “Seva and Rescue Campaign” aimed at helping destitute, homeless, and critically ill people living on roads, pavements, and public spaces across the national Capital. The campaign, which will continue till May 15, will cover all 13 districts of Delhi with the support of rescue teams, ambulances, social workers, and volunteers.
The Chief Minister flagged off 19 specially equipped ambulances and rescue vehicles from the Mukhyamantri Seva Sadan in Delhi. The initiative is being jointly carried out by the Department of Social Welfare, Apna Ghar Ashram, and Seva Bharti. The Government said more than 300 vulnerable people are expected to be assisted during the drive.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the campaign was launched to ensure that no helpless person in Delhi is left without care, shelter, or treatment. She said the Government’s priority is to serve people living in extremely difficult conditions and provide them with dignity and protection.
The Chief Minister said rescue teams would identify sick, abandoned, and homeless people from roadsides, railway stations, bus stands, religious places, and other public locations.
Those rescued during the campaign will be shifted to Apna Ghar Ashram, where arrangements have been made for food, shelter, medical treatment, and rehabilitation.
She said people suffering from serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, cancer, and AIDS would be given priority during the rescue operation. Medical support and continuous care will also be provided to differently-abled and elderly people found abandoned in public places. “The Government wants to ensure that no person in need is deprived of help. Serving humanity is our top priority,” the Chief Minister said during the programme.
She also praised the work being carried out by Apna Ghar Ashram, saying the organisation has helped thousands of abandoned and vulnerable people rebuild their lives with dignity. According to the Government, the Ashram has arranged accommodation for up to 500 rescued people, including 100 beds for women and 400 for men.
Officials said the rescue campaign will operate around the clock with the help of nearly 100 staff members and 50 volunteers. Along with the ambulances, 10 support vehicles have also been deployed to strengthen field operations across the city.
The Chief Minister said efforts would also be made to reunite rescued individuals with their families wherever possible. She said if relatives are identified and willing to take them back, the Government and social organisations will assist in reconnecting them after recovery and counselling. For people with no family support, long-term care and rehabilitation will continue at the Ashram, officials said.
The Delhi Government has also developed a dedicated 24x7 one-window system in coordination with the Social Welfare Department to ensure faster rescue and rehabilitation support.
According to officials, around 20 people have already been rescued in the initial phase of the campaign. The Government said the drive is part of a broader effort to strengthen welfare support for vulnerable sections and provide immediate humanitarian assistance to those living without shelter or medical care in the city.
