As a severe cold wave tightens its grip on Bihar's capital, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has launched a massive humanitarian effort to shield its most vulnerable residents from the biting winter. With temperatures dropping sharply, the civic body has activated a comprehensive network of shelters across the city to ensure no one is forced to sleep in the open.
A Multi-Pronged Shelter Strategy for Patna's Vulnerable
The administration has deployed a total of 953 beds spread across permanent structures, temporary setups, and specialised ‘German Hanger’ shelters. To guarantee a dignified stay, the PMC is providing each person with a bed, mattress, pillow, and a minimum of two warm blankets, complemented by free nightly dinners. The facilities are bolstered by CCTV surveillance, fire safety arrangements, and 24/7 access to safe drinking water.
The scale of the need is evident in the numbers: 10,761 people have already taken refuge in these shelters, with 576 registrations recorded on a single Friday alone. The geographical spread is wide, with New Capital Circle leading with 12 shelters, followed by Kankarbagh with seven and Azimabad with four, creating a crucial safety net across Patna.
Immediate Relief on the Streets and Focus on Women's Safety
Recognising that many might still be on the streets, the PMC and district administration have lit bonfires at more than 250 key locations. These include high-footfall areas like Patna Junction, PMCH, and Saguna Mor, offering immediate, life-saving warmth to those outdoors.
Special attention has been directed towards the safety of women. Exclusive shelters for women have been established near landmarks such as Gandhi Maidan, Buddha Smriti Park, and Patna City. To ensure security, local police stations have been formally requested to intensify night patrolling around these specific shelters.
Voices from the Ground: A Lifeline in the Cold
For the city's homeless and daily wage earners, these initiatives are not just amenities but a vital lifeline. Rajesh Mahto, a 55-year-old rickshaw puller, shared his decade-long reliance on the shelters. "I used to manage sleeping at the station in other seasons, but winters are life-threatening. It would be nearly impossible to survive the cold without them," he stated.
Meena Devi, 42, who begs near the station, highlighted the importance of the bonfires and food for her family's safety. Meanwhile, Unnan Paswan, a 28-year-old daily wage earner staying at a shelter for the first time, acknowledged the help but pointed out room for improvement, mentioning that the dinner chapatis are often undercooked.
Logistical Challenges and a Call to Action
Managing such a large-scale operation presents inevitable hurdles. Ramesh, a security guard at one shelter, explained a practical measure: "We keep the doors locked until 5 pm to prevent unauthorised daytime occupation. This ensures beds remain available for labourers and workers who arrive late in the evening."
Despite these challenges, the administration's commitment is clear. They have urged citizens to play a role by informing the municipal control room if they spot anyone sleeping in the open, reinforcing the collective mission to ensure that no one in Patna is left out in the cold this winter.
