NGO Center for Holistic Development (CHD) has claimed that at least 106 people, mostly homeless people, have died due to cold in Delhi this month, they have written to Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal requesting that During this, proper arrangements should be made for such people. Cold.
While Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) officials denied that the deaths were due to cold, Delhi Police officials acknowledged that the death toll of homeless people suffering from medical issues rises during winters.
“There have been no deaths from the cold. While there are deaths among homeless people due to other issues, such as accidents, diseases, alcohol and drug-related problems, DUSIB does not maintain such data,” said an official requesting anonymity. said.
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According to the report prepared by the NGO, between January 1 and January 19, 106 people have died due to cold in Delhi.
Out of these, North Delhi district recorded the maximum number of deaths (33). 13 deaths were recorded in North West Delhi and nine each in South West and Central Delhi. The report claimed that eight people each died in West Delhi and New Delhi during this period.
“These are homeless people who spend their nights in the open, on roadsides or outside shops. Most of the deaths were due to cold conditions this month,” claimed Sunil Kumar Alediya of the Center for Holistic Development.
CHDs include lawyers, policy researchers and volunteers who actively analyze government policies and prepare on-the-ground reports to identify gaps for effective implementation.
Aledia said the CHD obtained data from the Zonal Integrated Police Network, or ZipNet project, launched by the Union Home Ministry in 2014.
The NGO, in its letter to Kejriwal, who is also the chairman of DUSIB, claimed: “Amid the cold weather in Delhi, 106 people, including six women, have died in Delhi till January 19.”
“A DUSIB survey in 2014 had identified 16,760 homeless people in Delhi. However, the actual number of homeless people sleeping on the roadside is over one lakh.
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According to DUSIB data, there are currently 308 shelter homes in Delhi, which include permanent buildings, temporary buildings, porta cabins and tents. These have the capacity to provide shelter to 9,330 homeless people.
The latest data shows that around 8,200 homeless people are spending their nights in these shelter homes. Aledia said a survey conducted by the CHD found that a large number of people in and around Kashmere Gate, Yamuna Pusta, Nigam Bodh Ghat, Jamuna Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Delhi Gate, Asaf Ali Road, Jama Masjid, Azadpur, Okhla sleeping in the open. Badli, Kingsway Camp, Nizamuddin and Sarai Kale Khan.
A senior police officer said that though not all deaths could be attributed to winter, the toll of homeless people dying of medical problems in winters increased.
“Despite the initiatives taken and the availability of shelter homes, there is no denying about the death of homeless people due to cold. But these are the people who sleep outside railway tracks, handcarts, roadsides, shops, this happens despite all agencies working together to save such people.
According to the India Meteorological Department, Delhi reported the longest cold spell this January.
The maximum temperature has been below normal since the second week of January.
The weatherman said it prevents prolonged exposure to sunlight between January 9 and January 19, mainly due to clouds and rain.