Lucknow — Principal Secretary P. Guru Prasad and Relief Commissioner Bhanu Chandra Goswami conducted an on-site inspection of the night shelters established at key locations, including Ziaamau, 1090 Chauraha, Kaiserbagh, and Charbagh bus stations. During the visit, they observed the facilities provided at these shelters and distributed blankets to the individuals in need.
P. Guru Prasad, Principal Secretary (Revenue), emphasized the need for operating the night shelters with sensitivity, ensuring that no person has to sleep under the open sky. He directed the municipal corporation and administrative officials to ensure that there is no negligence in this regard. He further instructed that adequate resources to protect people from the cold be available at all shelters.
Prasad informed that, under the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, a total of 1,240 night shelters and shelter homes have been developed across the state. He assured that these would be expanded as needed. Additionally, more than 300,000 blankets have been distributed to date, with sufficient budget allocated across the state to combat the cold.
Goswami, the Relief Commissioner, acknowledged the widespread impact of the cold wave over the past two days across the state. He announced that instructions had been issued to all divisional commissioners and district magistrates to inspect night shelters and shelter homes in their respective regions. Municipal commissioners were also directed to maintain strong arrangements for night shelters and shelter homes.
Goswami urged district magistrates to personally engage with people at the shelters, addressing any issues based on their feedback. He stressed the importance of keeping night shelters clean and resolving any emerging problems immediately. He also ensured that no person in need would have to sleep in the open, on dividers, roadside pavements, or parks.
In his remarks, Goswami further directed that every district magistrate and municipal commissioner ensure that blankets are provided to those in need without fail. He stressed that no incidents related to the cold should occur, emphasizing that the state government is committed to ensuring no one faces problems due to the cold.
The Relief Commissioner also mentioned that real-time monitoring is being conducted via technology, especially in areas with bonfires. A control room has been established at the Relief Commissioner’s office to facilitate direct communication with the public regarding the availability of night shelters, bonfires, and blanket distribution. Feedback from officials is being used to promptly address any shortcomings.
Goswami instructed the municipal commissioner to display detailed information about the night shelters in each zone. He also directed that the list of night shelters be displayed on screens installed by the municipal corporation at bus stations and other prominent areas in the city, ensuring easy access to shelter information for the public.
During the inspection, arrangements for bonfires in front of night shelters and adequate lighting inside the shelters were also reviewed. The importance of ensuring safety for women at night shelters was highlighted. Municipal Commissioner Inderjeet Singh, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Executive Engineer, and other officials were present during the inspection.
