In a proactive move to protect its most vulnerable residents from the biting cold, the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation has officially opened its network of winter night shelters. Municipal Commissioner Amit Kumar personally led a late-evening inspection on Wednesday to ensure the facilities are ready to offer comfort, safety, and dignity to all who seek refuge.
Extensive Inspection for Quality Assurance
Commissioner Amit Kumar conducted a thorough review of multiple shelter sites across the city. His inspection focused on critical aspects of inmate welfare, including the quality of bedding, the effectiveness of heating arrangements, sanitation standards, and overall safety infrastructure. He spent time speaking with both staff and beneficiaries to get a firsthand understanding of the ground realities.
The commissioner issued clear directives to officials to maintain a state of round-the-clock readiness for the entire winter season. He emphasized the non-negotiable need for hygienic, secure, and warm facilities for every individual using the service.
Strategic Locations and Comprehensive Amenities
A total of eight night shelters are now fully operational in the city. These shelters have a combined capacity to accommodate 450 persons, with separate provisions for 325 men and 125 women.
The shelters are strategically located at key points to provide immediate relief:
- Sector 29
- Sector 20
- Sector 19
- Sector 16
- Sector 32
- Sector 34
- ISBT 43
- Opposite the PGI (Post Graduate Institute)
Each facility has been equipped with essential amenities to ensure a safe and comfortable stay. The provisions include:
- Comfortable mattresses, bedsheets, and blankets
- Room heaters for warmth
- Access to both hot and cold water
- First-aid boxes for medical emergencies
- CCTV surveillance and dedicated security personnel
- Fire-safety equipment
- Toilet van facilities
A Commitment to Compassionate Governance
The night shelters will remain fully functional from December 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026. This three-month operational period underscores the municipal corporation's sustained dedication to public welfare during the harshest months of the year.
This initiative goes beyond mere shelter; it is a statement of compassionate governance. By ensuring these facilities are well-maintained, secure, and equipped with basic human necessities, the Chandigarh administration aims to safeguard the health and dignity of its homeless and underprivileged citizens against the severe winter conditions.
