Lucknow : In view of the prevailing cold wave, District Magistrate Vishakh G. conducted a late-night inspection of night shelters (rain baseras) at various locations across the city, including Daliganj, Sitapur Road, and Mohibullapur. The inspection was aimed at ensuring relief and safety for destitute and needy persons during extreme winter conditions.
During the visit, the District Magistrate distributed blankets to homeless individuals and directed officials to ensure that people staying in the open are shifted to night shelters without delay.
Inspection of Night Shelters
As part of the inspection, the District Magistrate reviewed facilities at the Daliganj and Paltan Chhavani night shelters. The caretaker at the Paltan Chhavani shelter informed that separate accommodation arrangements for men and women are in place. Currently, 65 people are housed at the shelter, against a total capacity of 75 beds.
The shelter was found to be adequately equipped with bonfires, heaters, and other cold-protection arrangements. A canteen facility providing two meals a day at nominal rates was also operational at the shelter.
Facilities Found Satisfactory
Cleanliness, lighting, drinking water, bedding, and other basic amenities at both shelters were found to be satisfactory during the inspection. The District Magistrate directed officials to ensure regular sanitation, adequate availability of blankets, and uninterrupted essential facilities at all night shelters.
Following the inspection, the District Magistrate personally distributed blankets to occupants staying at the shelters.
Directions for Cold Wave Management
Given the severity of the cold wave, the District Magistrate instructed concerned departments to ensure adequate bonfire arrangements at key public locations across the city. Emphasis was also laid on making night patrolling and field inspections more effective, ensuring that no vulnerable person remains exposed to cold conditions.
The responsibility of identifying and shifting needy individuals to night shelters has been assigned to Additional City Magistrates and zonal offices of the Municipal Corporation.
Ongoing Monitoring Across the District
The District Magistrate stated that regular inspections of night shelters and blanket distribution are being carried out across the district by Sub-Divisional Magistrates in tehsil areas and by Additional City Magistrates and Municipal Corporation zonal officers in urban areas.
Officials Present
Senior officials present during the inspection included the Additional District Magistrate (Finance & Revenue), Sub-Divisional Magistrate Sadar, Tehsildar Sadar, Municipal Corporation Zonal Officers, and other departmental officials.
