In view of the intense summer heatwave, the Social Development Department of the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has launched a special drive to provide relief and protection to homeless and destitute citizens living on the streets. So far, 466 homeless persons have been provided safe shelter, while 159 individuals have been successfully rehabilitated under the initiative.
Mayor Nita Thakre and NMC Commissioner Dr. Vipin Itankar have appealed to citizens to immediately inform the civic body if any homeless person is found suffering on the streets during the severe heat conditions.
Under the guidance of Mayor Nita Thakre and Nagpur Police Commissioner Dr. Ravinder Kumar Singal, and as per the directives of Commissioner Dr. Vipin Itankar, the “Beggar-Free Nagpur Heatstroke Prevention Campaign – Mission Mukti Phase 3” is being implemented with the support of Deputy Commissioner Dr. Ranjana Lade and the Social Development Department.
As part of the campaign, NMC’s joint rescue teams shifted 120 homeless persons in April and 76 in May — a total of 196 people — from roadsides to shelter homes. Out of them, 159 individuals have already been rehabilitated. Several beneficiaries were reunited with their families, some were provided employment opportunities, while others were sent back to their native places.
Special rescue operations were recently conducted in Cotton Market, Mominpura, Shani Mandir, Sitabuldi and Wardha Road areas, where 52 people, including 20 men, 19 women and 13 children, were provided shelter, healthcare and rehabilitation support.
Currently, NMC operates seven shelter homes with a total capacity of 450 persons, though 466 beneficiaries are presently residing there. Under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihood Mission, the shelters provide free food, clothing, accommodation, security, healthcare, counselling, de-addiction treatment and rehabilitation assistance aimed at integrating beneficiaries into the mainstream of society.
So far, 79 beneficiaries have been reunited with their families, 15 have been provided jobs, and 10 elderly persons have been admitted to old-age homes with dignity.
To prevent heatstroke-related deaths, NMC has urged citizens not to ignore homeless individuals found on roadsides, markets, bus stands and other public places during the ongoing heatwave, and instead contact the nearest shelter centre for immediate assistance.
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