Jagran correspondent, New Delhi. The continuing severe cold in the capital is proving fatal for the homeless people. Within the last 15 days, 44 homeless deaths have been recorded due to cold. The dead included all men, who were migrant workers and homeless.
According to the data, the maximum number of 17 deaths have occurred in the North District, while seven homeless people have died in the Central District. Apart from this, reports of death due to cold have also emerged from other districts, which has raised serious questions on administrative preparedness.
Homeless people forced to live under the open sky, under flyovers, on footpaths and along roads are the most affected by the extreme cold. Their lives are in danger due to lack of heaters, adequate clothes, blankets and shelter to protect them from the cold. In many cases, sick and elderly homeless people are dying due to lack of timely treatment and warm shelter.
Night shelters have been arranged by the Delhi government, but the ground reality seems different. The homeless say that many night shelters lack basic facilities. At some places there is lack of space and at some places the situation of cleanliness and security is poor. In some night shelters, entry is not available after reaching late night, due to which people are forced to sleep in the open.
Night shelters became dens of drug addicts
Most of the night shelters run by Delhi Government's Urban Shelter Board (DUSIB) have become dens of drug addicts and alcoholics. These people form gangs and target migrant workers and homeless people living in night shelters and steal their belongings.
Apart from this, they show bullying and keep them scared with blades and other sharp weapons, due to which due to fear of them the homeless are forced to earn their living outside instead of staying in night shelters.
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