Bhubaneswar: The civic body is planning to build more shelter homes for the homeless in the capital to ensure a roof over their head.
Currently, Bhubaneswar has seven shelter homes for the homeless and destitute people which can accommodate maximum 500 people. However, a recent survey done by ActionAid and Centre for Women and Child Development has claimed that there are about 6,559 homeless people in the capital with no access to basic facility.
“We are providing food, water and other facilities at the existing shelter homes. However, we are planning to create more shelter homes for ensuring a life of dignity for the homeless in the city,” said a top official of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC).
At present, the existing Shelter for Urban Homeless (SUH) centres are managed by private people and the BMC is monitoring their functioning. The SUHs are also working towards making the city free from beggars. But, some of the rescue workers told OP that some of the organised gangs engaged in begging are creating hurdles for them.
“Although, we brought some of the people engaged in begging to SUHs, they are not staying in these centres. They are creating issues and are going back to the streets. But, with more facilities we hope to help more homeless,” said a member of the rescue team.
The civic body is also planning to issue identity cards to the homeless in the capital. Officials think this measure will bring the crime rate down.
“We are planning to give Aadhaar cards or some other ID proof to these homeless people. So, keeping a record of this floating population will also prevent them from engaging in criminal activities,” added BMC officials.
They also told OP that the corporation has plans for building special shelter homes for the mentally and physically challenged homeless in the state. “Physically and mentally challenged people need special care and attention. So, we are also planning to create a special shelter home for them,” said a top official of the Bhubaneswar Development Corporation.
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