466 homeless get safe shelter as NMC steps up summer action

Nagpur: Amid the intense summer heat and rising temperatures across the city, the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has intensified efforts to protect homeless citizens and beggars from heat-related risks through a special rescue and rehabilitation initiative. The civic body has so far provided safe shelter to 466 homeless individuals, while successfully rehabilitating 159.The initiative, being implemented by NMC's Social Development Department, aims to prevent heatstroke-related casualties among people living on the streets. Civic officials said that homeless individuals identified during rescue operations are shifted to shelter centres and provided support services including healthcare, food, counselling and rehabilitation assistance.According to NMC data, a joint rescue team shifted 196 homeless citizens from roadsides and public places into shelter homes over the last two months. Of these, 120 people were moved in April, while another 76 were rescued in May. Authorities stated that rehabilitation measures have included family reunions, employment support, and assistance for returning individuals to their native villages.As part of recent rescue drives, civic teams conducted operations in Cotton Market, Mominpura, Shani Mandir, Sitabuldi, and Wardha Road areas. During the exercise, 52 people — including men, women and children — were moved to shelter centres and provided immediate assistance. Beneficiaries were offered accommodation, healthcare services, and counselling support aimed at reintegrating them into mainstream society.Officials said the seven shelter homes currently operated by NMC have a combined capacity of 450 people. However, due to the increasing number of vulnerable citizens requiring assistance during the summer, the facilities are currently accommodating 466 individuals.The shelters operate under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission and provide free food, clothing, shelter, security and medical care. Additional services such as de-addiction treatment and counselling are also available.NMC officials said rehabilitation efforts have shown positive outcomes. So far, 79 people have been reunited with their families, employment has been arranged for 15 individuals, and 10 elderly citizens have been shifted to old-age homes.