192 homeless people die in Delhi due to severe heatwave: NGO report
According to a report by the NGO Centre for Holistic Development, 192 homeless individuals died as a result of the Delhi heatwave from June 11 to June 19.
This is the largest number of deaths documented during the specified time.
Also read: Centre issues strict directions to hospitals amid severe heatwave in Delhi-NCR
Five die in Delhi due to heat in last 72 hours
Notably, five people have died in Delhi in the last 72 hours as the national capital continues to suffer from a severe heatwave. The victims perished from heatstroke at three hospitals.
According to the health authorities, more than 14 people died in Noida within the last 24 hours as a result of probable heat stroke.
Sunil Kumar Aledia, executive director of the NGO, stated, “From June 11 to 19, 192 homeless people died in Delhi as a result of extreme heatwave conditions.” This disturbing statistic emphasizes the critical need for proactive actions to safeguard one of society’s most vulnerable populations.
According to an NGO research, homeless persons account for 80% of unclaimed remains from heatwave deaths.
According to Aledia, issues such as air pollution, increasing industrialization, urbanization, and deforestation have contributed to rising temperatures, worsening the situation for the homeless.
Also read: Delhi minister Atishi seeks patrolling of major water pipelines as BJP blames AAP
Access to safe drinking water, which is required for hydration, remains a substantial barrier, raising the risk of dehydration and other health complications.
“Despite the critical situation, homeless individuals frequently find themselves excluded from government welfare programs such as the Deen Dayal National Urban Livelihood Mission (NULM-SUH) and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), primarily due to the lack of identification documents and a permanent address,” the mission’s director explained.
“The absence of intermediary housing options or financial assistance leaves many with no choice but to live on the streets,” Aledia said.
“Solutions should include establishing cooling centres, ensuring adequate shelter capacity, distributing water, and addressing the underlying causes of homelessness through supportive housing and services,” he added.
