The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) recently claimed it had successfully set up 235 tents across the national capital to provide shelter for the homeless as temperatures continue to drop. The reality on the ground is far bleaker.
According to NGOs involved in setting up these shelters, they have not been permitted to erect the full number of tents allocated. “The real number is much lower,” said an NGO member who requested anonymity. Backing these concerns, DUSIB’s own Occupancy Report, dated December 17, lists only 154 operational tents.
The report estimates a total capacity of 3,260 across these tents, yet their usage is consistently low. For instance, 25 tents recorded zero footfall on December 16. Despite a rising homeless population in Delhi, their safety and shelter remain neglected by the authorities, with inadequate provisions and delays in setting up shelters exacerbating their plight.
Rajbir Singh, the Director of DUSIB, refuted the complaints and the body’s own Occupancy Report stating that around 225 tents had been set up already for the winter. “It’s false, we have set up 225 tents across the city. The NGOs have their own axe to grind with us that’s why they are making such claims,” he said. When asked about their own report, he did not comment.
Number of shelters keeps dwindling
According to the Winter Action Plan, DUSIB had promised to set up 250 additional tents between November 15 and December 1. However, NGOs report that the timeline often stretched to December 10, and this year there was little sense of urgency from DUSIB or the Delhi government.
“DUSIB has planned to set up about 200-250 pagoda tents of waterproof and fire-retardant types at required locations in 2024-25 to accommodate about 2,000 additional people,” the plan states. “Further tents will be added, if necessary, this winter.”
Yet the Occupancy Report reveals that 25 of the existing 154 tents sit empty. “Sometimes they merge tents together to inflate the numbers,” claimed Vikas Kumar, an NGO member.
Despite 16 shelter clusters, NGOs continue to highlight inadequate shelter availability, echoing concerns over operational tents and overcrowding. NGOs like Sofia Educational and Welfare Society, Sadik Masih Medical Social Servant Society, Jyoti Samajik Sewa Sanstha, and others face mounting challenges.
A survey conducted by Shahri Adhikar Manch: Begharon Ke Saath (SAM:BKS) estimated Delhi’s homeless population at 3 lakh, yet official shelters have a capacity of only 20,544—a glaring deficit of 93.15%.
Rise in homeless
The SAM:BKS survey found that Old Delhi has the highest concentration of homeless individuals, particularly near markets and employment hubs. However, this area also has the fewest operational tents.
“Earlier in 2023, we had 10 tents in our two clusters. This year, we’ve received permission for only three,” said Ravi Kant, supervisor at Sofia Educational and Welfare Society. “We requested an increase to 20 tents, but DUSIB claims winter hasn’t arrived yet.”
At Geeta Colony, managed by Maa Astha Samajik Vikas Sewa Sanstha, similar apathy prevails. “Last year, we managed 14 tents; this year, we have only been provided 11,” said Devesh Gupta, supervisor at Maa Astha. “Despite repeated requests for additional provisions, even the originally sanctioned number of tents remains unmet, reflecting a persistent lack of support.” If this continues, Delhi will see more deaths this winter.”
Waiting for death
According to the Centre for Holistic Development, eight homeless individuals died daily in January 2024, with 295 deaths recorded in December 2023, a stark reminder of the consequences of insufficient shelters and delayed provisions during the winter months. This year, experts predict the toll could rise further.
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“They are waiting for bodies to pile up before blaming us,” said Gupta. “We often rely on our own money to manage shelters because provisions are delayed, exacerbating the challenges we already face. With shelters overcrowded, we lack the resources to support everyone.”
Not enough space for homeless
Gupta pointed out that the occupancy figures cited by DUSIB use outdated capacity numbers that predate the installation of beds. “We’re always overcrowded, yet the report suggests we are underutilising capacity. In reality, we’re functioning at half the capacity while taking in more people than we can handle.”
Ravi Kant added that DUSIB’s reliance on rescue missions is ineffective. “They want us to pick up homeless individuals from the streets and drop them at any shelter with available space. But this approach fails to address their long-term needs, as most return to the streets the following day. But by the next day, those individuals return to the streets. Homeless people stay near their employment areas; shifting them far away is not a solution.”
Lack of funds bites employees as well
Staff members managing these shelters face their own struggles. Roshan Kumar, caretaker at a shelter near Jama Masjid’s Meena Bazaar, said staff salaries haven’t been paid for three months. “We use our own money to fix minor issues. Neither the agencies nor DUSIB help. On top of this, we face constant interference from the police and authorities.”
He revealed that police often threaten penalties for providing shelter to individuals without identity proof. “DUSIB has told us that identity proof is secondary during the winter cold. Yet the police accuse us of harbouring criminals,” Kumar said.
When contacted, DUSIB refused to comment on the lack of adequate shelters in Delhi.
