“There’s definitely a need for more shelters taking into consideration the population of destitute people in Delhi. But the problem with the particular Delhi government is they simply don’t have enough land. If you look at congested areas like Old Delhi, there’s simply no space to build any more shelters, said Mr Nitesh Kumar, programme director at the Society for Advertising of Youth and Masses.
SOME DO NOT REALLY WANT SHELTER
However , not all who are vulnerable easily accept the help offered.
Some, such as Ms Rehana, cite unhygienic conditions at the shelters that make them suitable for her 2 young children.
With just a plastic sheet separating her as well as the cold outdoors, this winter has been especially harsh.
“Rice, lentils, flour and oil – that’s all we would like from the government. Some money will go a long way in the direction of helping us. Exactly what does my husband make by polishing shoes? 2 dollars or three dollars. That’s not even enough to buy foods, ” she mentioned.
Warm clothing and blankets really are a distant luxury for many like her.
“We can’t pressure people. Some people don’t want to come for their personal preferences. But a lot who need saving do come with us, ” said Mr Kapoor.
Officials from the local government’s Delhi Urban Refuge Improvement Board (DUSIB), acknowledged that more needs to be done to help the most vulnerable.
“DUSIB’s mandate would be to build shelters. All of us don’t have the experience that the social welfare department has. Their mandate is to uplift the most vulnerable, ” said board associate Bipin Rai.
“We’ve discussed cross-department applications many times at our regular meetings, and we do get support from. But we will have to come up with a holistic construction to tackle homelessness and we’re focusing on a plan. ”