Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launches 5-day Seva & Rescue Campaign for homeless
Synopsis
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta has deployed 19 ambulances and 50 volunteers across all 13 districts in a five-day blitz to pull homeless and sick individuals off the capital's streets — with beds for 500 at Apna Ghar Ashram and a 24x7 rescue helpline already operational.
Key Takeaways
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta launched the Seva & Rescue Campaign on 11 May 2025 , running through 15 May .
The drive covers all 13 districts of Delhi, using 19 rescue ambulances and 10 support vehicles .
Nearly 100 staff and 50 volunteers are working round the clock; around 20 people rescued in the first phase.
Rescued individuals will be housed at Apna Ghar Ashram , with capacity for 500 persons — 100 women and 400 men .
The campaign is a joint effort by the Social Welfare Department , Apna Ghar Ashram , and Seva Bharti .
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday, 11 May launched a five-day 'Seva & Rescue Campaign' to identify and relocate destitute, sick, and homeless individuals from public spaces across the capital to safe shelter facilities. The campaign, running from 11 May to 15 May, spans all 13 districts of Delhi and aims to assist more than 300 vulnerable people living in difficult conditions.
How the Campaign Works
The drive is being executed with 19 special rescue ambulances, 10 support vehicles, nearly 100 staff members, and 50 dedicated volunteers operating round the clock. Teams are reaching out to homeless, sick, and abandoned individuals living on roadsides, pavements, and public spaces, and shifting them to designated shelter facilities.
A dedicated 24x7 one-window system has been developed in coordination with the Social Welfare Department to ensure smooth implementation. In the campaign's first phase, around 20 people had already been successfully rescued, according to an official statement.
Where Rescued Individuals Will Be Sheltered
Those rescued will be accommodated at Apna Ghar Ashram, where they will receive medical treatment, nutritious food, and dignified care. Arrangements have been made for up to 500 destitute persons — including 100 beds for women and 400 for men.
Chief Minister Gupta stated that where families of rescued individuals can be identified and are willing to receive them, efforts will be made to facilitate reunification after recovery. For those without family support, the Ashram will continue to provide care.
Partners and Officials Involved
The initiative is being jointly carried out by the Delhi Government's Department of Social Welfare, Apna Ghar Ashram, and Seva Bharti. The launch event at Mukhyamantri Seva Sadan was attended by Shakur Basti MLA Karnail Singh, Apna Ghar Ashram founder Dr B.M. Bhardwaj, Seva Bharti Delhi state president Ramesh Agrawal, senior government officials, and representatives of social organisations.
Broader Context
Delhi's homeless population has long posed a challenge for successive administrations, particularly during extreme weather months. The campaign's launch in mid-May — as temperatures in the capital routinely exceed 40°C — underscores the urgency of addressing heat-related health risks among those without shelter. This is among the first major welfare drives undertaken by Chief Minister Gupta since assuming office, signalling a focus on visible social welfare outreach. How many of the targeted 300-plus individuals are ultimately rehabilitated and whether the Ashram's capacity holds will be the key metrics to watch when the campaign concludes on 15 May.
Point of View
But Delhi's street-homelessness problem is structural and year-round. The real question is what happens on 16 May — whether Apna Ghar Ashram has the sustained funding and staffing to retain the 300-plus individuals it aims to shelter, or whether rescued persons cycle back to the streets within weeks. Past municipal drives in Indian cities have struggled with exactly this revolving-door dynamic. Chief Minister Gupta's decision to brand this from the 'Mukhyamantri Seva Sadan' and personally flag off vehicles suggests political intent alongside humanitarian purpose — both can coexist, but accountability requires tracking outcomes beyond the campaign window.
NationPress
10 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Delhi's Seva & Rescue Campaign launched by CM Rekha Gupta?
It is a five-day government initiative running from 11 to 15 May 2025, deploying rescue ambulances and volunteers across all 13 districts of Delhi to identify and relocate homeless, sick, and destitute individuals to safe shelter facilities. The campaign aims to assist more than 300 vulnerable people.
Where will rescued individuals be sheltered during the campaign?
Rescued individuals will be accommodated at Apna Ghar Ashram, which has capacity for up to 500 persons — 100 beds for women and 400 for men. They will receive medical treatment, nutritious food, and dignified care at the facility.
Which organisations are running the Seva & Rescue Campaign?
The campaign is a joint effort between the Delhi Government's Department of Social Welfare, Apna Ghar Ashram, and Seva Bharti. A 24x7 one-window coordination system has been set up with the Social Welfare Department for smooth implementation.
How many resources are deployed for the Delhi homeless rescue drive?
The campaign uses 19 special rescue ambulances, 10 support vehicles, nearly 100 staff members, and 50 dedicated volunteers working round the clock across Delhi's 13 districts.
What happens to rescued individuals who have families?
Where families of rescued individuals can be identified and are willing to receive them, the government will facilitate reunification after recovery. Those without family support will continue to receive care at Apna Ghar Ashram.
