Following the directions of the urban development department, Assistant Director Sanjay Kumar recently inspected several ‘Raen Baseras’ (night shelter homes) across the City.
Under the National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM), the official ensured that these shelter homes were equipped with all the basic facilities like beds, drinking water, toilets for the homeless. For the winter season, directions were also given for the availability of woollen blankets and facilities for a bonfire.
The shelter homes inspected by officials, includes those at Doranda, Birsa Chowk, Jagannathpur, Dhurwa bus stand, Khadgada among others.
The Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has 10 Rain Baseras in the City. The shelter homes are operated by NGOs, which are selected by the Director of Municipal Administration. A shelter management committee is also appointed for each of these homes which are responsible for providing facilities to the visitors.
During the visit, the operators of these shelter homes were also instructed to ensure that no homeless or destitute should be found sleeping in the open. If found, strict action would be taken against the agency as it is their responsibility to escort these people to the Rain Baseras.
“Depending on the side, each of these shelter homes have been provided with beds and mattresses. The one near RIMS and Kantatoli chowk have more compared to others. The repairing work required in some places has also been completed. The number of visitors also depends on the locality,” said the Municipal Commissioner Manoj Kumar.
The civic body also inspects these shelter homes on a regular basis. Over the last few years, there has been a vast improvement in the condition of these night shelter homes.
“As per the directions of the Supreme Court, a commission has also been formed at the State level for the operations and maintenance of these shelter homes. The chairman and members of the committee also visit these places at frequent intervals,” added the Municipal Commissioner.
The RMC official further said that apart from making adequate facilities for a bonfire, the civic body has made arrangements for the same at all the crossings as well across the City.