Authorities in the National Capital Region (NCR) are ramping up efforts to protect homeless and vulnerable populations from a looming cold spell. The district administrations of Gautam Buddh Nagar (which includes Noida and Greater Noida) and Ghaziabad have operationalized multiple night shelters as weather forecasts predict a significant drop in minimum temperatures.
Proactive Inspections and Shelter Facilities
In a proactive move, the district magistrates (DMs) of both cities conducted late-night inspections on Wednesday to personally review the arrangements. The shelters are equipped to provide comprehensive relief, including free mattresses, blankets, clean drinking water, toilets, and kitchen facilities. A key feature this year is the arrangement of bonfires around the shelter premises to offer additional warmth and ensure no individual is forced to sleep on exposed roads or footpaths.
Officials have directed field teams to actively identify vulnerable people at major traffic intersections, market areas, and labour chowks (informal hiring spots) and facilitate their shift to the nearest shelter. Furthermore, health teams have been put on alert to address any cold-related illnesses, and municipal agencies are tasked with maintaining cleanliness and sanitation at all locations.
Shelter Network in Gautam Buddh Nagar
In the Gautam Buddh Nagar district, a total of 13 night shelters have been made operational. Key locations in Noida include facilities at the Dadri police station intersection, Mamura Crossing in Sector 62, and community centres in Sectors 135, 21A, and the 12–22 complex. Additional shelters have been set up in the outlying areas of Bilaspur, Dankaur, and Jewar.
In Greater Noida, shelters are functioning at prominent spots like Pari Chowk, Delta-2, and Pi-3. District Magistrate Medha Roopam inspected facilities at the Delta-2 community centre, near Pari Chowk, and under Work Circle-4. "We spoke to people staying at the shelters to understand if they were facing any problems. The arrangements were found to be satisfactory, and all basic facilities are being ensured," DM Roopam stated after her interaction with the occupants.
Ghaziabad's Extensive Preparedness
Ghaziabad has deployed an even more extensive network, with 32 night shelters, each with a capacity to house between 50 to 80 people. These shelters have been strategically established near transport hubs and densely populated zones for easy access. Prime locations include the Kaushambi bus terminal, areas near Pacific Mall in Sahibabad, vicinity of the New Ghaziabad railway station, near the Nasirpur railway crossing in Nehru Nagar, and Sector 23 in Sanjay Nagar.
Following the late-night inspection across the city, Ghaziabad DM Ravindra Mander emphasized the administration's commitment. "Blankets were distributed to the needy in and around the shelter homes. Officials have been instructed to ensure no one spends the night in the open on roads," Mander said.
Weather Forecast and Ongoing Vigilance
The urgency of these measures is underscored by the weather forecast, which predicts that the minimum temperatures in Noida and Ghaziabad will hover between 10 to 12 degrees Celsius over the coming days, with a potential for further dipping. The district administrations have signaled that the shelters will remain operational and under constant review for as long as the cold wave conditions persist, ensuring a safety net for the region's most vulnerable residents during the harsh winter nights.
