The process of setting up night shelters in Greater Noida has begun amid falling temperatures and increasing cold conditions. Night shelters have been established at the Sector P3 Community Hall, Sector Delta Two Community Hall and Pari Chowk. Meanwhile, work is underway to set up additional shelters in Habibpur, Roza Yakubpur and at the GIMS hospital in Kasna.
The move follows a report published by Dainik Jagran in its December 8 edition highlighting the plight of destitute people shivering in the cold due to the absence of night shelters in the city. Taking cognisance of the report, District Magistrate Medha Rupam ordered an inspection of the locations earmarked for night shelters. During the inspection, the District Magistrate expressed displeasure after finding that shelters had not been set up at the designated sites.
Following this, the concerned department initiated immediate action, leading to the commencement of work on establishing night shelters across the city. With morning and evening temperatures dropping sharply and nights becoming increasingly colder, many people have been forced to rely on bonfires for warmth.
In a recent administrative meeting, officials had directed the concerned department to urgently set up night shelters and arrange bonfires to protect destitute people and passers-by from the cold. The responsibility for setting up night shelters and lighting bonfires in the city rests with the Greater Noida Authority.
Every year, night shelters are typically established at five locations, including Delta Two, Pari Chowk, Sector P3 and Roza Yakubpur. However, the delay in setting them up this year has caused significant hardship for the homeless. Social activists in the city had also raised demands for the immediate establishment of shelters and have expressed relief following the recent developments.