Millions are residing in Delhi, the capital of India. Yet for a lot of people, there are no shelters beneath its flyovers or pavements. According to the 2011. In Delhi, the census recorded 46.724 individuals as homeless. However, independent analysts estimate the real number to be between 200,000 and 250,000, which highlights significant discrepancy in official figures.
Seeking Shelter: The Flyover Process
The lack of proper housing has led to a significant number of homeless individuals in Delhi seeking shelter from the city’s many flyovers. They provide a sense of security from the elements and are frequently situated near areas that offer livelihood opportunities, such as markets and business districts. Yamuna Pushta and Nizamuddin, among other places, are significant points of reference because they are situated near employment opportunities and religious institutions that provide charitable support.
A Mixed Approach: Shelter Access and Relative Inclusion Vs Need
A network of 195 shelters, which includes 82 permanent structures and 103 porta cabins (with a total capacity of roughly 16,675 beds), is operated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB). The capacity of this organization is notably limited, accommodating only 10% more than it would be for the estimated homeless population.
A headcount conducted by Shahri Adhikar Manch: Begharon Ke Saath (SAM:BKS) between August 27 and 31, 2024, showed that approximately 154.391 people lived on the streets of Delhi. But the challenges in collecting data mean the real figure is more than 300,000 – meaning there are far too few people in shelter in this city.
Policy Gaps and Temporary Measures
In advance of events like the G20. The city’s efforts to beautify the city have resulted in the displacement of homeless individuals from under flyovers. A significant number of individuals were requested to leave their makeshift residences for a brief period, only returning after the events ended, suggesting lacked definite policies for rehabilitation.
The lack of a comprehensive rehabilitation policy means that such measures are only cosmetic and do not address the root causes of homelessness.
The Street: Stories of the ”Human Trigger”
The suffering of the homeless in Delhi is not solely based on numbers but also on human nature. Women living under the ITO flyover face daily challenges that are worsened by harsh weather conditions. Health problems like heatstroke and dehydration arise from the absence of shelter during heatwaves. The possibility of harassment and violence is high, especially for women and children, during nighttime.
How to Address the Crisis
A multifaceted approach is necessary to address Delhi’s homelessness issue:
Accurate Enumeration: Conduct regular and detailed headcounts to determine the actual number of homeless individuals in the city.
Elevate Shelter Building: Increase the quantity of shelters to house the homeless individuals efficiently, ensuring they have all the necessary resources for survival.
Long-Term Rehabilitation: Plan for long-term policy implementation to ensure the permanent rehabilitation of homelessness, which includes providing them with affordable housing and employment opportunities.
Community Engagement: Participate in community engagement efforts by engaging civil society organizations to design and implement programs that are specifically designed for the homeless.
Policy Implementation: Effective implementation of existing policies and accountability at all levels of government are ensured through this process.
Conclusion
Delhi’s homeless crisis demands immediate and long-term solutions. Even though flyovers can provide temporary relief, they are not a remedy. A comprehensive approach by government agencies, civil society, and the community is necessary to ensure that all individuals residing in the capital have decent living conditions.
With inputs from agencies
Image Source: Multiple agencies
*The views expressed are personal to the author and do not reflect the platform's opinion of the same.
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