As temp dips, govt activates winter action plan

The Delhi Government has rolled out an expanded winter action plan to safeguard homeless residents and other vulnerable groups as temperature continues to dip sharply across the Capital.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Tuesday reviewed the preparedness at the Delhi Secretariat and directed departments to ensure no citizen is forced to sleep in the open during winter.

Officials informed the Chief Minister that 197 permanent night shelters, with a combined capacity of around 18,000 people, are currently operational. Of the 250 temporary shelters planned across the city, 204 have already been set up and equipped with blankets, bedding, heating arrangements, water coolers, mosquito-control devices, CCTV cameras and women’s security facilities. All shelters will be monitored until March 15, officials added.

Gupta emphasised that hospitals must not face shortages of blanket or warm clothing, and asked departments to tighten winter preparedness for patients. The government has also issued special instructions for schoolchildren, Anganwadi centres and childcare facilities, directing officials to identify measures to protect children from low temperatures and explore CSR partnerships where needed.

The Chief Minister also ordered that security guards deployed in government buildings be provided heaters and protective gear.

Reiterating her government’s commitment, Gupta said, “Delhi’s night shelters are not merely structures, they symbolise dignity and security. Not a single citizen should be compelled to spend a cold winter night under the open sky.”

Officials also briefed her that the ‘Rain Basera’ mobile app continues to assist homeless citizens in locating the nearest shelter in real time.

Chief Minister Gupta noted that this year’s plan is more extensive than previous years, widening its scope beyond the homeless to include

other vulnerable populations. The government, she said, will continue to review arrangements to ensure smooth functioning throughout the winter season.