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Delhi Boosts Winter Shelters & Drainage Upgrades Amid Cold Wave

The Delhi government has intensified winter relief by setting up over 250 temporary night shelters, particularly around major hospitals like AIIMS and Safdarjung, rescuing homeless individuals and providing beds, meals, and blankets. A total of 197 permanent shelters are operating city-wide with round-the-clock facilities and nightly rescue patrols. Simultaneously, the government is accelerating a revamped Drainage Master Plan, targeting four key trunk drains to prevent future waterlogging. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta emphasized the commitment to citizen safety and modernizing Delhi's infrastructure.

Key Points: Delhi Expands Winter Relief Shelters, Launches Drainage Plan

  • 250+ temporary shelters added
  • Focus on AIIMS, Safdarjung, G.B. Pant areas
  • 197 permanent shelters operational
  • Drainage Master Plan revived for 4 major drains
3 min read

Delhi govt steps up winter relief measures for homeless

Delhi govt adds 250+ night shelters for homeless near hospitals and accelerates major drainage projects to combat cold and waterlogging.

"The government gives the highest priority to the safety, dignity, and humane care of homeless citizens. - Chief Minister Rekha Gupta"

New Delhi, January 15

The Delhi government has stepped up its winter relief measures to protect homeless people from the severe cold, with a special focus on areas around major hospitals. Immediate assistance is being extended to destitute individuals near AIIMS, Safdarjung and G.B. Pant hospitals, where the number of night shelters has been increased. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board, along with shelter management agencies, is actively rescuing people sleeping in the open and relocating them to safe shelters, where free facilities such as beds, three meals a day, sanitation and drinking water are being provided.

The Chief Minister, Rekha Gupta, stated that under the Winter Action Plan 2025-26, around 250 temporary "pagoda" night shelters have also been set up in sensitive and high-footfall areas of the capital to protect people from the cold.

In addition, DUSIB is currently operating 197 permanent night shelters across Delhi round the clock, all equipped with basic facilities. She informed that in the AIIMS-Safdarjung area, in addition to the existing 32 pagoda night shelters with a capacity of 320 beds, three new pagoda shelters have been installed, according to a release.

This has increased the total shelter capacity in the area to 350 beds. Considering the large number of homeless people around AIIMS and Safdarjung hospitals, temporary shelter arrangements have also been made in the subway areas there. Blankets and bedding are being provided immediately to those in need to protect them from the cold. Under a special drive, around 75 homeless people were rescued from the AIIMS-Safdarjung area and moved to safe shelters, after which the area was cleared of people sleeping in the open.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta further stated that eight temporary "pagoda" night shelters have also been set up around G.B. Pant Hospital, with accommodation for 80 people. The agencies operating the shelters are conducting regular inspections every day from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. to ensure that homeless people sleeping in open and unsafe places are brought to night shelters in time. In addition, a central control room is functioning around the clock.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the Delhi government is not limited to providing shelter alone, but has also activated an alertness and rescue mechanism across the city. The government gives the highest priority to the safety, dignity, and humane care of homeless citizens. It is committed to ensuring that no one in the capital remains helpless or unsafe, especially during the winter season and in all other challenging circumstances.

Meanwhile, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has taken a major and far-reaching step to strengthen the city's drainage system as part of its resolve to develop Delhi into a modern, global and developed capital.

Four major drains, Mundka Halt-Supplementary Drain, MB Road Storm Water Drain, Kirari-Rithala Trunk Drain, and the Storm Water Drain along Rohtak Road (NH-10) are being developed as key components of the 'Drainage Master Plan'.The Delhi government has accelerated the construction and expansion work of these major trunk drains.

The Chief Minister informed that the 'Drainage Master Plan' for Delhi's sewerage and drainage system was originally prepared in the 1970s. Despite rapid population growth and large-scale construction activity, the plan did not undergo the required revisions, resulting in an increasingly severe drainage situation over the years.

She said that the present government has introduced effective changes keeping in view Delhi's geographical conditions, recurring waterlogging and population pressure, and drainage infrastructure is now being constructed accordingly, so that the national capital does not face waterlogging and related problems in the future.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally, some focus on basic human dignity. The 'pagoda' shelters are a good idea for temporary relief. My only request: please ensure these shelters are clean and safe for women and children as well. The three meals a day provision is crucial.
R
Rohit P
Good initiative, but this is a perennial problem. Every winter we see these announcements. What about a permanent solution? The article also mentions drainage work - that's important too to prevent waterlogging that affects these very shelters in monsoon. Both are needed for a livable city.
S
Sarah B
As someone who volunteers with an NGO, I've seen the night shelters near AIIMS. The increase in capacity is much needed. The round-the-clock control room is a smart move. Hope they coordinate well with the local NGOs who are already doing ground work.
V
Vikram M
Providing blankets and bedding immediately is key. The cold wave doesn't wait for paperwork. Respect to the teams doing night inspections from 10 PM to 4 AM. That's real service. Jai Hind.
K
Karthik V
While the winter plan is commendable, I'm more impressed by the mention of updating the 1970s Drainage Master Plan. That's long-term thinking. A capital city cannot run on infrastructure from 50 years ago. Solving waterlogging will indirectly improve public health for everyone, including the homeless.
M
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