Homeless protest against govt apathy

Several homeless from different parts of the city on Friday protested outside the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board’s office against the department’s unwillingness to provide basic facilities like fans, drinking water, mosquito coils and proper sanitation in night shelters.

Delhi High Court had directed the government to provide basic facilities immediately in all the shelters in its May 31, 2012 order. But activists and the homeless allege that the DUSIB has not made any arrangement for such provisions so far.

Homeless from different areas like Lodi Road, Jama Masjid, Yamuna Pusta, Mori Gate, Karol Bagh and nearby areas of Akshardham temple participated in this agitation. “We are questioning the authorities that with summer at its peak, when will DUSIB understand our problems? I have fallen ill because of mosquito bites. And we do not get drinking water as well,” said a protester.

They demanded immediate action against the authorities. “This is truly outrageous as they are violating the rights of homeless residents. Not only has DUSIB failed to provide basic facilities in shelters, the board has taken no action to modify the tin shelters and make them suitable for living,” said Indu Prakash Singh of Indo-Global Social Service.

When the protestors submitted their demands, Amit Kumar Sharma, nodal officer for Night Shelter DUSIB ensured that by June 15, all the demands would be met. He said by June 8 evening, he would circulate names and phone numbers of civil engineers responsible.