Delhi is grappling with a severe cold wave as temperatures plummet to as low as 5°C on December 15 and 16. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued cold wave warnings for north India, including Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Foggy conditions are expected to persist over the next three days, adding to the challenges faced by the region’s vulnerable populations.
Night shelters across Delhi have become a lifeline for the homeless and destitute, offering food, warmth, and safe spaces to weather the harsh conditions. Vicky Kanojia, a caretaker at a shelter near AIIMS, explained, “Our facility provides ambulance services, medicines, and daily meals along with bedding. Many of our residents are recovering from illnesses or injuries.”
For long-term residents like Sabho, the shelters have been a source of stability. “My kids and I get food, blankets, and access to hygiene facilities. It’s a blessing during such cold nights,” she shared. Similarly, Rishi Kumar Mehta, a caretaker at Sarai Kale Khan, detailed how each person is provided a bed, blankets, and warm meals, with access to medical care for emergencies.
However, not everyone has access to these shelters. Individuals like Mukesh, who live near the Old Delhi railway station, endure the cold with minimal resources. “We make fires to keep warm, but proper sleep is rare,” he said. Others, like Pradeep, struggle to survive by the tracks, finding respite only in brief moments of warmth.
While night shelters provide essential relief, the capital’s frigid nights remain a stark reminder of the resilience required to endure such conditions, especially for those without access to basic necessities.
