Homeless refrain from taking shelter at rain baseras

Gagandeep Singh

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, December 7 

Even though winter has arrived, the homeless people do not appear to be interested in taking shelter at the Rain Basera (Shelter Homes) constructed in various parts of the city for the homeless. 

Around 10 to 15 people have been residing in each shelter home which have the capacity to house hundreds of people. There are around eight shelter homes in different parts of the city constructed by the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation. 

Though the board mentions the presence of a first aid kit inside the shelter home, no trained first aid provider has been appointed at the Rain Basera  

A visit to the Rain Basera constructed near the railway station revealed that only three women and 10 to 15 men are residing there. 

Despite the claims by the authorities concerned that mattresses and blankets are provided, they were found to be dirty. The toilets were also found to be in a filthy condition. “The number of people may increase with the increase in the intensity of cold, but as of now, only 10 to 15 people are residing here,” said supervisor Vinod Kumar. 

Similarly, the shelter home near Lyallpur Khalsa College was found to be occupied by far less number of the homeless than its actual capacity. 

Although the shelter home was empty with only a couple of mattresses laid on the floor, yet the supervisor, Mahesh said around 10 people come to spend the night.

Nodal Officer Chaman Lal said, “The homeless, including beggars, do not seem to be interested in taking shelter at the Rain Basera. They would rather live at the bus stand and railway station in search of alms. Their numbers may rise later following increase in the winter chill.” 

When asked about provisions for first aid, he said they have a tie-up with the civil hospital.