As the scorching heat of the summer months intensifies in Delhi, the city’s police force has taken proactive measures to ensure the safety and dignity of its homeless population.
With the aim of preventing heatstroke-related fatalities and contributing to urban beautification efforts, a special drive has been launched by the Delhi Police to shift homeless individuals from the streets into government shelters. A directive issued by the Delhi Police Commissioner has instructed senior officers to immediately begin efforts to relocate individuals living on the streets, particularly those occupying the medians of major roads, under flyovers, and near underpasses. The relocation is set to be carried out in collaboration with the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB), which runs a network of shelters across the city.
Despite previous initiatives, the issue of homelessness continues to persist in certain areas of Delhi, especially in regions that lack sufficient shelter infrastructure. The police, through this operation, aim to provide temporary accommodation to those most at risk, ensuring they are housed in a safe and secure environment. The drive is not only a response to the immediate heatwave, but also forms part of a broader initiative to create a cleaner, safer, and more welcoming city. Police officials have been instructed to work closely with local authorities to verify and document the details of all homeless individuals. In addition, they will assist with registration at DUSIB shelters, ensuring the maximum possible number of homeless individuals are relocated swiftly.
To ensure that those relocated remain in the shelters and continue to receive the necessary support, police personnel will conduct checks every alternate day. These inspections will ensure that the individuals are receiving adequate care and are not returning to unsafe conditions on the streets. The final outcomes of this operation are expected to be submitted by April 30, offering an accountability framework for the initiative. In a move to bolster resources for this large-scale operation, the Delhi Police is also considering the deployment of Delhi Home Guards to assist in managing PCR (Police Control Room) vehicles. Discussions are currently underway regarding the number of Home Guards required, their shift timings, and the specific roles they will play in the ongoing operations. A proposal to assign Home Guards as drivers for PCR vehicles is also being reviewed.
The relocation of homeless individuals is just one aspect of a multi-faceted strategy being rolled out by the police. In parallel, senior officers have been tasked with forming “Boys Clubs” as part of a community engagement programme. The initiative aims to identify and involve local youths, particularly those at risk of falling into delinquency, in positive recreational activities. The programme seeks to engage these individuals in sports and other creative activities, offering them an alternative to antisocial behaviour. Police will identify a group of 14-18-year-olds for participation, with the intention of providing them with mentorship and positive guidance. As part of their ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and urban development, Delhi Police officers have also been instructed to survey poorly lit areas across the city. This is part of an initiative to address areas lacking proper street lighting. The findings from this survey will be shared with the Delhi government, which is in the process of installing new streetlights to improve visibility and reduce crime in these poorly lit zones.
Further, the traffic police have been asked to provide updates on the progress of decongestion efforts at 233 traffic bottlenecks across the city. These efforts are critical for easing traffic flow, reducing pollution, and improving road safety in Delhi. The combined impact of these measures—relocation of the homeless, improved street lighting, youth engagement, and decongestion—aims to not only enhance the physical safety of the city’s most vulnerable populations but also contribute to its overall transformation into a more eco-friendly, accessible, and equitable urban environment. As the city grapples with the effects of extreme weather and ongoing urban challenges, these initiatives represent a crucial step forward in creating a more sustainable and humane urban ecosystem.
This coordinated action plan is an example of how law enforcement and urban development authorities can work together to address not only immediate challenges but also long-term goals for creating inclusive, sustainable, and safe spaces for all Delhi residents.
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/new-delhi-faces-higher-heat-index-with-rising-humidity/
