The DC emphasised that flyovers, busy junctions, and other high-traffic locations should have adequate shelter facilities based on historical data and current needs
Gurugram deputy commissioner Ajay Kumar has conducted an inspection of night shelters across the city, and has directed officials to enhance amenities such as warm water, clean washrooms, and bathing areas at these facilities.
Gurugram DC during his inspection of the night shelters across district earlier this week. (HT Photo)
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Kumar on Tuesday night visited night shelters at several key locations, including Gurugram Railway Road, Bhim Nagar, and Kadi Pur, and was accompanied by officials from Red Cross and the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG).
The DC distributed blankets to those staying in the shelters and gathered feedback about their experiences, and urged NGOs and social organisations to encourage the homeless to use the night shelters.
Kumar emphasised that flyovers, busy junctions, and other high-traffic locations should have adequate shelter facilities based on historical data and current needs. He directed officials to ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of shelters, with proper lighting and sanitation facilities in place. Sufficient blankets and other necessities must also be provided to cope with the cold.
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He also instructed the city’s project officer, Mahendra Kumar, to increase the number of temporary shelters in crowded areas.
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He also instructed the city’s project officer, Mahendra Kumar, to increase the number of temporary shelters in crowded areas.
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The DC also ordered the installation of informational signage and boards at all public places to guide people to the nearest shelters. He stressed that nodal officers conducting night inspections should carry extra blankets to provide immediate relief to anyone found sleeping in the open. During his visit, Kumar interacted with shelter residents, including daily-wage laborers and migrants, and ensured their comfort. He instructed caretakers to address any challenges faced by the residents promptly and improve overall facilities.
Acknowledging the rising demand due to the harsh winter, Kumar also directed MCG to establish six additional temporary shelters at strategic locations such as Iffco Chowk, Bus Stand, Hero Honda Chowk, Basai Flyover, Sikanderpur, and HUDA City Centre within the next two-three days.
Leena Dhankhar is Senior Editor and Bureau Chief, Gurugram, at Hindustan Times, where she has spent over 17 years chronicling the transformation of one of India's fastest-growing urban regions. From starting her career as a crime reporter to leading the Gurugram bureau, her journalism has been defined by investigative reporting, in-depth storytelling and an unwavering focus on public interest.
Over nearly two decades, she has reported extensively across crime, politics, civic governance, elections, real estate, environment, courts, sports, education and entertainment, covering Gurugram, Faridabad, Nuh and Palwal. Her reporting has exposed several major scams and systemic failures, including insurance frauds, waste management irregularities, illegal arms manufacturing units in Nuh, illegal mining in the Aravallis, organised crime networks and governance lapses affecting millions of residents.
Known for her investigative work and exclusive stories, Leena has reported on high-impact national issues, including the Nicaragua charter flight carrying Indian migrants that was turned back amid allegations of human trafficking, exposing the growing network of illegal immigration rackets. Her work has also focused on gang wars, prison administration, juvenile crime, women and child protection systems, the functioning of the Juvenile Justice Board and Child Welfare Committee, and environmental challenges such as pollution, waterlogging and deteriorating civic infrastructure.
Beyond hard news, Leena has extensively documented Haryana's rich heritage, forests and wildlife, bringing attention to the state's historical landmarks, biodiversity, conservation efforts and ecological challenges through immersive reportage and feature writing.
Her journalism has consistently gone beyond breaking news. She has documented Gurugram's rapid urbanisation through long-form narratives and enterprise reporting on issues ranging from pothole-ridden roads, flooding and waste management to the changing social fabric of India's Millennium City. She also writes widely read feature columns, including The Outsider, Changemaker, and Concern for Gurugram, profiling people, places and ideas shaping the city's identity.
Leena is the author of Gurugram School Murder, published by Juggernaut Books, a deeply reported account of one of India's most high-profile school murder investigations. She is currently working on her second book, an investigative work exploring some of India's most significant scams and fraud investigations.
Beyond print journalism, she has expanded her storytelling through public speaking and digital media. She is a TEDx speaker and has produced podcasts exploring Gurugram's transformation, civic challenges and untold stories. Her work reflects a commitment to narrative journalism that combines rigorous reporting with compelling storytelling.
A law graduate with an MBA in Human Resources, Leena brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her reporting, particularly on governance, public policy and legal affairs. She has travelled extensively across India to pursue investigative assignments, often reporting from remote locations and conflict-prone areas in search of stories that matter.
