New Delhi: Delhi recorded 474 deaths of homeless people due to "winter exposure" between 15 November 2024 and January 10 2025, according to Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), an NGO working for such persons in the national capital.
If the data provided by the NGO is accurate, it means every day, at least 8 homeless people lost their lives in the period due to cold and other winter challenges in Delhi.
Sunil Kumar Aledia, executive director CHD, on Saturday, wrote a letter to Delhi Chief Secretary Dharmendra Singh and CEO of Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) demanding steps to prevent the deaths. Along with this, a demand was also made to provide housing and socio-economic protection to these people.
The NGO sent a copy of the letter to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena, Delhi Chief Minister Atishi, Health Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj as well as DM and DCP of all districts.
In the letter, the NGO has also given the figures of death in all districts.
The number of deaths of homeless people in Delhi between 15 Nov 2024 and Jan 10 2025 (CHD) "The absence of official statistics on deaths among the homeless masks the gravity of the situation, yet experts estimate that roughly 80% of 'unidentified dead bodies' in Delhi (sourced from Police data: http://zipnet.in/ ) are those of homeless individuals, underscoring the gravity of this crisis," reads the letter, a copy of which was accessed by ETV Bharat.
As per the data provided by the NGO, of the 474 deaths, 100 bodies were found in Subzi Mandi, Anand Vihar, New Delhi, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Sarai Rohilla, Delhi Cantt and Metro areas, all of which fall under Crime & Railway Police District in the national capital.
Describe the tough conditions homeless people survive in, the NGO writes: "The harsh winters of Delhi take a severe toll on its homeless population, leading to alarming rates of mortality and morbidity. For those living on the streets, winter brings sleepless nights and a host of health issues, including respiratory infections, skin ailments, arthritis flare-ups, and worsening mental health conditions. Chronic illnesses such as asthma, COPD, and cardiovascular diseases are exacerbated by the cold, leaving many homeless individuals vulnerable to severe complications and even death. Additionally, the mental toll of extreme weather, compounded by social isolation and inadequate shelter capacity, only deepens their despair."
The letter emphasised the lack of access to basic protective measures, such as warm clothing, blankets, and adequate shelter, increasing the risk of mortality among the homeless population.
"Many shelters in the city are unable to meet the demand and those that are available often lack essential facilities like heating and hot water, leaving individuals exposed to the cold," the letter reads.
It highlighted how despite policies like the Deen Dayal National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM-SUH) and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), homeless individuals are often excluded due to the lack of identity documents and permanent addresses.
"This systemic exclusion underscores the urgent need for intermediary housing options to provide immediate relief and long-term solutions. The shocking figure of nearly 500 deaths in less than two months of cold weather highlights the critical need for targeted interventions," the letter reads.
The NGO urged the government to adopt a comprehensive approach to protect homeless populations during winters, including increasing shelter capacity, ensuring access to hot water and protective clothing, and addressing the root causes of homelessness through inclusive housing policies and support services.
"Delhi’s winters should not become a death sentence for the homeless. It is imperative to act with urgency and compassion to provide them the dignity and protection they deserve," the NGO concluded.
