The cold wave continued in the national capital, forcing some people to take refuge in night shelters for food, warmth, and protection from the freezing weather.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has released a cold wave alert for regions in northern India, such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and various other states.
The IMD reported that the minimum temperature in several parts of Delhi was 5 degrees Celsius on December 15 and 16. The MeT department has also predicted foggy conditions in certain areas for the next three days. Meanwhile, some individuals are finding relief from the cold at various night shelters in and around the capital.
Vicky Kanojia, who manages a night shelter close to AIIMS Delhi, described how individuals needing to recuperate from illnesses and injuries without any support system are directed to night shelters.
"This facility serves as a night and recovery shelter for individuals who are homeless, on the streets, or hospitalized. Those without caregivers are brought here to recuperate. We provide ambulances for transportation, administer their medications, and offer meals. In the morning, they receive tea, and in the afternoon and evening, they are given food. Bedding and blankets are also provided," Kanojia said.
Rishi Kumar Mehta, who manages another shelter home in Sarai Kale Khan, emphasized the amenities provided to the residents, saying, 'They receive bedding, blankets, water, tea, biscuits, and food every day.'
Each person has their own individual bed and something to cover themselves with. When asked about medical facilities, he mentioned that there is a neighborhood clinic nearby, and in more serious cases, the individual is taken to AIIMS by ambulance.
Mukesh, who lives near the Old Delhi Railway Station, said he finds it difficult to sleep at night without proper heat. "The weather is extremely cold, and I spend the entire day working. At night, we warm our hands by lighting a fire. I struggle to sleep well at night and end up just lighting a fire.".
Pradeep, a resident near the railway station, described the challenges he faces trying to endure the cold nights. He said, "We are barely getting by, living on the tracks. I'm just surviving and trying to keep my hands warm. I have only one place to live and work. There is no proper place to sleep. The work isn't as good as it used to be, but we continue to work nonetheless. "
[Agency]