Rights panel seeks detailed report over deaths of homeless

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued notices to Delhi Police Commissioner and Delhi Chief Secretary following the death of over 470 homeless people in the national Capital during the winter season.

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The human rights body’s directions came after The Tribune on January 12 reported deaths of homeless people in the National Capital in between November 15, 2024, and January 10, 2025, based on a report compiled by a Delhi-based NGO, Centre for Holistic Development, through ZipNet data.

The NGO’s report revealed that official statistics on deaths are not available, but experts estimate that around 80 per cent of the ‘unidentified dead bodies’ in Delhi (sourced from Police data: http://zipnet.in/) are likely to be those of homeless individuals.

In a letter to Delhi Chief Secretary and Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) Chairman on January 11, NGO’s Executive Director Sunil Aledia stated that the harsh winters had taken a toll on Delhi’s homeless population. He noted that existing shelters are inadequate and lack basic facilities like heating and hot water, leaving many vulnerable to the cold.

He added that while schemes such as the Deen Dayal National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM-SUH) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) exist, homeless individuals are often excluded due to the lack of identity documents and permanent addresses. He highlighted the need for intermediary housing options to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions.

The commission observed that the contents of the news report, if true, raise a serious violation of human rights and subsequently issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi calling for a detailed report in the matter within one week.