PTI | 10:01 PM,Jan 10,2012
New Delhi, Jan 10 (PTI) Amid concerns being raised over the safety of the homeless this winter, the Delhi government today said it had set up 132 night shelters for the capital’s pavement dwellers. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) has roped in reputed NGOs in the capital for the upkeep of these shelters, which are equipped with facilities including toilet, electricity, bedding, blankets and water, said officials. “Now that the shelters have been set up, we will now focus on shifting the homeless from the streets and providing first aid and referral linkages with health facilities and hospitals,” a top DUSIB official said. DUSIB is also mulling over providing informal education and vocational training to homeless children in these shelter homes, he said. A Joint Apex Advisory committee and core committee have been constituted to ensure coordination between government agencies and NGOs while taking decisions on infrastructure development and related works. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit has asked the Board to construct more night shelters in the capital, depending on the requirement. “The 132 night shelters have a capacity to accommodate over 12,000 people. However, we will set up more as and when the need arises,” said the official.