A recent assessment of summer preparedness measures at 24 shelters operated by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (Dusib) has uncovered significant deficiencies in implementation and a lack of basic amenities. The field survey, conducted by the Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), a non-profit organization supporting homeless individuals, documented two heat-related deaths at two facilities. CHD has written to government authorities, urging immediate corrective action.
Background on Dusib Shelters
Dusib, functioning under the Delhi government, operates 197 shelters across the capital with a combined capacity to house nearly 17,000 people. Of these, 82 are permanent reinforced concrete (RCC) structures, while the rest are portable cabins. The shelters serve not only the homeless but also migrants from outside Delhi who stay near major hospitals while seeking treatment for relatives.
Earlier, Times of India reported that Dusib had activated a summer control room at its headquarters to coordinate heat-response measures. Awareness campaigns and workshops were scheduled between May 1 and May 15 to educate staff and residents about heat safety. A Dusib official had stated, “We are working to ensure residents have access to water and medical support. All shelters are being equipped to prevent heatstroke and dehydration, with special arrangements for meals and safe drinking water.”
Survey Findings Reveal Critical Gaps
However, CHD’s field survey, which assessed the implementation of the board’s Summer Action Plan 2026, paints a starkly different picture. The plan mandated full preparedness by April 15, but the survey found major gaps in cooling, hydration, and emergency support. The assessment covered shelters at Sarai Kale Khan, Jama Masjid/Urdu Park/Meena Bazaar, Bangla Sahib, Old Delhi/Fatehpuri/Lahori Gate, and Mori Gate-Dangal Maidan.
Cooling System Failures
Approximately 50% of cooling units across the 24 shelters were non-functional. At Lahori Gate, 70% of fans and 71% of desert coolers were broken, while Sarai Kale Khan had no functional coolers. At the Jama Masjid shelter, frequent power tripping rendered cooling systems ineffective during peak heat.
Water and Medical Supply Shortages
Nearly 40% of surveyed facilities lacked permanent water connections. Several shelters, including those at Jama Masjid and Bangla Sahib, depended on water tankers that arrive only once every 48 hours. Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) stocks were missing at Dangal Maidan and Mori Gate shelters, despite being mandatory.
Heat-Related Deaths and Health Issues
The report documented two deaths, one at Fatehpuri and another at Lahori Gate, attributed to extreme heat exposure. Residents reported dehydration and skin infections, while medical outreach was negligible. At women’s shelters in Jama Masjid, machines vending sanitary pads were found empty.
Recommendations and Official Response
Sunil Kumar Aledia, CHD executive director, has written to the Delhi chief minister, National Human Rights Commission, and Dusib, recommending immediate repair of non-functional cooling units, establishment of permanent Delhi Jal Board water connections, urgent supply of ORS and first-aid kits, and emergency protocol training for shelter management agencies.
A senior Dusib official contested the report’s findings, stating, “Around 20% of the issues flagged were valid at that time and have been addressed. All 24 shelters are equipped now. Usually, the summer action plan begins on May 15, but it started earlier this year. Officials have been directed to ensure all arrangements at the shelters are in place by May 10.” The official added that the two deaths were not directly caused by heat.
