LG wants tents under flyovers for homeless in freezing cold

With temperatures in the capital reaching freezing levels, Lt. Governor Najeeb Jung has instructed the authorities to set up tents below flyovers for the homeless and also asked Delhi Metro to provide space for setting up more night shelters.

Jung has inspected a number of night shelters over the past two days in the city where temperatures have reached bone-chilling levels close to the freezing point. He said the Delhi government was firm on its commitment to provide roof and bedding to all the homeless of the city.

A press release from Raj Niwas - the official residence of the Lt. Governor - said Jung instructed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to pitch the tents.

"Jung has allocated an additional sum of Rs.7 crore to DUSIB. This is in addition to the Rs.5 crore allocated to DUSIB recently," the release said.

It said that despite the government's best efforts to ensure that people move into the safety and warmth of the night shelters in the severe winter, some people refuse to move from places they occupy on roads and under flyovers.

"Failing to persuade such people to move willingly into the night shelters provided by the government and considering the extreme cold conditions prevailing in the city, the Lt. Governor has made an exception and instructed DUSIB to set up tents under flyovers, bridges," the release said.

It said the arrangements would be in place till the first week of February, when the weather in the city improves.

Jung has also instructed the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to provide space to the DUSIB for setting up more night shelters.

"DUSIB is making arrangements for blankets and bedding for these establishments at the DMRC locations," the release said.

It said the DMRC has committed to provide the ground floor of the Metro station in Okhla to the DUSIB for night shelter.

The DMRC also issued a release saying it was in touch with the DUSIB following Jung's instructions and would provide portable cabins.

"We are in touch with DUSIB and have offered them to provide ready-made porta cabins which are available with the DMRC and can be erected at short notice."

"We are also jointly with DUSIB exploring a suitable space for the installation of the porta cabins," a DMRC release said.

It said a winter night shelter built by the DMRC with all modern amenities was operational in Govindpuri area near Okhla.