New Delhi – The Delhi government has significantly expanded Delhi night shelter capacity around major hospitals and intensified midnight rescue operations as the capital battles severe cold wave conditions. This decisive action comes in response to plummeting temperatures that have affected vulnerable populations across the city, particularly the homeless.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board and shelter management agencies to increase facilities in high-footfall zones, demonstrating the government’s commitment to protecting citizens during this extreme weather event. The expansion of Delhi night shelter capacity represents a comprehensive approach to addressing the urgent needs of homeless individuals during the harsh winter months.
Strategic Expansion Around Major Medical Facilities
Government officials confirmed that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta ordered DUSIB and shelter management agencies to boost Delhi night shelter capacity around critical locations such as AIIMS, Safdarjung Hospital, and G.B. Pant Hospital. These areas witness significant footfall and often serve as gathering points for homeless individuals seeking warmth and safety.
The Delhi night shelter capacity around the AIIMS-Safdarjung belt has been substantially increased to accommodate 350 beds. Chief Minister Gupta explained that temporary shelter arrangements have also been established in subway areas near hospitals, where homeless people frequently seek refuge from the biting cold.
This strategic placement of increased Delhi night shelter capacity ensures that vulnerable populations have easy access to safe, warm facilities during the most challenging weather conditions experienced in recent years.
Rescue Operations Yield Immediate Results
The government’s proactive approach to expanding Delhi night shelter capacity has been complemented by intensive rescue operations. Officials reported that approximately 75 people were rescued from the AIIMS-Safdarjung area and transferred to safer locations with proper facilities.
Immediate relief was provided to those rescued, with blankets and bedding distributed to individuals in need. This swift response demonstrates the effectiveness of the enhanced Delhi night shelter capacity and the government’s commitment to leaving no one vulnerable to the extreme cold.
Chief Minister Gupta emphasized that Delhi government’s efforts extend beyond merely providing shelter. “A city-wide alert and rescue mechanism has been activated,” she stated, highlighting the comprehensive nature of the relief operations accompanying the expanded Delhi night shelter capacity.
Winter Action Plan 2025-26 Implementation
The expansion of Delhi night shelter capacity forms a crucial component of the government’s Winter Action Plan 2025-26. Under this comprehensive initiative, approximately 250 temporary pagoda night shelters have been established across sensitive and high-footfall locations throughout the city.
These temporary facilities supplement the existing infrastructure, ensuring adequate Delhi night shelter capacity to meet the increased demand during the severe cold wave. The pagoda shelters are strategically positioned to protect vulnerable populations from extreme cold conditions that have gripped the capital.
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Additionally, DUSIB operates 197 permanent night shelters equipped with essential facilities across Delhi. This combination of permanent and temporary facilities ensures sufficient Delhi night shelter capacity to accommodate all those requiring safe refuge during winter nights.
Comprehensive Amenities at Shelter Facilities
The expanded Delhi night shelter capacity comes with comprehensive amenities designed to ensure the comfort and safety of residents. Free bedding is provided to all shelter occupants, ensuring they can sleep comfortably despite the freezing temperatures outside.
Three nutritious meals are served daily at these facilities, addressing both immediate hunger and the increased caloric needs during cold weather. Sanitation facilities and safe drinking water are also available, maintaining hygiene standards and ensuring the health of shelter residents.
These amenities make the increased Delhi night shelter capacity not just about providing physical space, but about offering dignified living conditions during the emergency period.
Night Inspection Protocol Established
To maximize the effectiveness of the expanded Delhi night shelter capacity, shelter management agencies have been directed to conduct regular night inspections. These inspections occur between 10 pm and 4 am, specifically targeting the identification of people sleeping in unsafe or open locations.
This proactive monitoring system ensures that the available Delhi night shelter capacity is utilized effectively and that vulnerable individuals are actively located and encouraged to use the safe facilities provided by the government.
Additional Measures at G.B. Pant Hospital
Similar to the arrangements at AIIMS-Safdarjung, the Delhi night shelter capacity around G.B. Pant Hospital has been significantly enhanced. Eight temporary pagoda shelters have been established in this area, providing accommodation for 80 people.
This targeted expansion of Delhi night shelter capacity around major medical facilities ensures that patients’ families and attendants, who often sleep outside hospitals, have access to proper shelter during the cold wave.
High Court Directive Compliance
The expansion of Delhi night shelter capacity comes three days after the Delhi High Court directed both the Delhi government and the Central government to ensure that homeless individuals are provided with adequate night shelters during winter months.
This judicial intervention underscores the critical nature of maintaining sufficient Delhi night shelter capacity as a matter of fundamental rights and human dignity.
Commitment to Continued Support
With cold conditions expected to persist, government officials have assured that they will continue scaling up Delhi night shelter capacity and rescue operations wherever required. This ongoing commitment ensures that the government remains responsive to changing weather conditions and emerging needs throughout the winter season.
The proactive expansion of Delhi night shelter capacity demonstrates effective governance and prioritization of vulnerable populations’ welfare during extreme weather events.
