Archive · 31 May 2025
Delhi's Homeless Crisis: Shelters Insufficient, Solutions Debated
Imagine many people in Delhi don't have homes and sleep outside.
There are over 300,000 of them.
The city tries to help with shelters, but there aren't enough.
Some people use the shelters, but many still sleep on the streets.
The government and experts are discussing how to solve this.
Some think building more shelters, creating jobs, and better plans are important.
The courts are also involved, questioning the best way to offer help.
The main problem is that there is not enough work for people to do.
The goal is to get the homeless into the mainstream with secure housing.
Over 300,000 people are estimated to be homeless in Delhi.
Current shelter capacity falls short of the requirement by almost 90% under the Master Plan for Delhi, 2021.
Many homeless individuals return to the streets despite available shelters and food.
The Supreme Court questioned the focus on freebies versus job creation for the homeless.
Experts emphasize the need for long-term planning, job creation, and comprehensive housing policies.
- Who
- Over 300,000 homeless people in Delhi, including vulnerable groups like women, children, and the elderly.
- What
- Homelessness crisis in Delhi, insufficient shelter capacity, and debates on effective solutions.
- When
- August 2024: Survey of Delhi's homeless population; Feb 2025: Supreme Court hearing on urban homelessness.
- Where
- Delhi, specifically under flyovers, pavements, near markets, and in night shelters.
- Why
- Lack of affordable housing, job opportunities, and effective rehabilitation programs; government policies.
- Estimated Homeless Population
- Over 300,000
- Survey Date
- August 2024
- SUH scheme launched
- 2013
- Count of people sleeping on streets (survey)
- 1,56,369
- Location
- Delhi