Delhi's Winter Rescue: Expanding Night Shelters for the Homeless

The Delhi government has intensified efforts to shelter the homeless from the harsh winter, expanding night accommodations and rescue operations. Focusing on areas surrounding major hospitals, the initiative involves increased bed capacity and inspections to identify and assist those sleeping in unsafe locations.

The Delhi government is ramping up efforts to safeguard the homeless from the grueling winter conditions, by expanding night shelters and enhancing rescue operations near major hospitals.

Emphasizing areas such as AIIMS–Safdarjung and G B Pant Hospital, where a significant number of destitute individuals often sleep outdoors, the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), along with shelter management agencies, is actively conducting night drives to relocate the homeless to shelters.

Shelters around AIIMS–Safdarjung now offer 350 beds, thanks to the addition of three temporary 'pagoda' structures. Furthermore, under the Winter Action Plan 2025–26, a central control room coordinates the city's extensive effort, which includes 197 permanent shelters and 250 temporary pagoda shelters across various high-footfall areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)