An NGO has claimed that 474 homeless individuals in Delhi lost their lives due to “winter exposure” between November 15, 2024, and January 10, 2025.
The Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), an NGO advocating for the welfare of homeless people, raised the issue in a letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) Chief Executive Officer Ravi Dhawan. The claim, based on police statistics, has not yet been officially confirmed.
CHD pointed out that 80% of the “unidentified dead bodies” in the city are believed to belong to homeless individuals. According to the NGO, the deaths occurred due to freezing temperatures and the lack of essential protective measures, such as warm clothing, blankets, and adequate shelters.
The NGO detailed the health risks faced by homeless individuals during winter, including respiratory infections, skin ailments, arthritis flare-ups, and worsening mental health. It added that chronic conditions like asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and cardiovascular diseases are exacerbated by the cold, leading to severe complications and death.
CHD also emphasised the inadequacy of shelters, stating that many are unable to meet the demand, and existing facilities often lack heating and hot water, leaving individuals vulnerable to the harsh weather.
Also Read: Delhi: 280 homeless found dead in a month on city’s streets
The NGO urged authorities to increase shelter capacity, improve access to essential services such as hot water and warm clothing, and address the root causes of homelessness through inclusive housing policies and comprehensive support services.
The letter called for urgent action to protect the city’s homeless population and prevent further fatalities during the winter months.
(With inputs from PTI)
