New Delhi, Nov 6 (NationPress) The Delhi government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has initiated a plan to establish 250 new temporary shelters, alongside 197 permanent homes, ensuring that no homeless individual has to endure the harsh winter nights without shelter, an official disclosed on Thursday.

The primary aim of this initiative is to guarantee that every homeless person has access to shelter and safety during the Winter Action Plan, which is set to run from November 15 to March 15, according to a statement made by the official.

Utilizing modern technology, the Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative not only focuses on the comfort of the homeless but also aims at the efficient management of these shelters.

CM Gupta expressed her commitment to ensuring that essential services reach the most vulnerable segments of society. She noted, “The Delhi Government is attuned to the needs of the underprivileged, who are often the most difficult to reach. Our resolve is to extend our services to them.”

She reaffirmed that the Delhi government is dedicated to ensuring that no citizen sleeps outdoors during frigid winter nights. “These shelters are not just roofs but represent dignity and security. Our government is devoted to offering every homeless individual an opportunity to live with respect,” she stated.

Currently, there are 197 operational shelters in the capital under the Shelter Home Scheme of the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). These facilities include 153 for men, 17 for women, 19 for families and children, and 8 for special categories such as individuals affected by HIV, TB, or substance addiction.

Each shelter is furnished with beds, mattresses, sheets, pillows, blankets, electricity, mosquito control devices, water coolers, and CCTV security systems, especially for women.

The Chief Minister announced the establishment of 250 new temporary shelters to provide necessary relief to the homeless during the winter season.

These shelters will be positioned across 120 locations in Delhi, collectively accommodating around 2,500 individuals, with the potential for expansion if needed.

To further aid the homeless, rescue teams and a central control room are being set up. GPS-enabled rescue vans will operate nightly from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. to safely transport homeless individuals from the streets to nearby shelters.

According to the Chief Minister, DUSIB has integrated digital technology for monitoring and rescue operations. The Rain Basera mobile application is utilized for reporting and tracking homeless citizens, while the Night Shelter Inspection App (NSIA) oversees shelter operations with GPS tracking and real-time data updates.

A new policy has been introduced to enhance the quality of shelters. A quality- and cost-based selection system is now in place for selecting agencies responsible for 24×7 operation, cleanliness, maintenance, fire safety, electrical systems, and overall security of the shelters, she concluded.