Nagpur: In a commendable display of compassion, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has extended a helping hand to 77 homeless citizens, providing them with comfortable shelter amidst scorching heat, thunderstorms, and heavy rains in the city.
Teaming up with the Social Service Branch (SSB) of Nagpur police, the NMC has been actively rescuing homeless individuals from the streets, relocating them to shelter homes to shield them from heat strokes and inclement weather.
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According to data released by the NMC, between April 5 and May 11, their teams have rescued and relocated 77 homeless citizens as part of the civic body’s heat action plan. Spearheaded by the NMC Social Development Department under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Ranjana Lade, this initiative operates under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission, conducting searches to locate homeless individuals.
Ranjana Lade emphasized the challenges faced in executing such operations, citing instances where homeless citizens flee upon sighting officials. Despite these hurdles, efforts are intensified during summers when the risk of heatstroke is heightened. Lade highlighted the increasing number of homeless individuals in the city, underscoring the NMC’s commitment to accommodating as many as possible in the shelter homes.
The NMC manages five homeless shelter homes and one beggar home with a combined capacity of 400. Presently, 349 individuals are housed in these facilities. Equipped with air coolers to alleviate the heat, these shelter homes not only offer basic necessities like food and clothing but also identify residents’ skills to facilitate employment opportunities. Additionally, medical assistance and counselling are provided to address health and addiction issues among the residents.
During the period from April to May, the NMC successfully reunited 30 inmates with their families, arranged employment for 11, and relocated 10 to old-age homes. Lade identified the Meetha Neem Dargah area as particularly challenging due to the reluctance of homeless individuals to leave, attracted by the distribution of food and blankets. Encouraging citizens to donate to shelter homes instead of distributing items on the streets, Lade emphasized the importance of community involvement in supporting these initiatives.
Citizens seeking help for the homeless can contact on 8080143873, 9960183143 and 9960327532.
The proactive efforts of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation, in collaboration with the Nagpur police’s Social Service Branch, underscore a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable citizens amid adverse weather conditions, embodying the spirit of compassion and community welfare.
