Convert unused building into night shelter: Delhi HC

The Delhi High Court asked MCD to convert a portion of a building lying unused for several years into a night shelter to accommodate the homeless people during this winter.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked MCD to convert a portion of a building lying unused for several years into a night shelter to accommodate the homeless people during this winter.

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In an interim direction, the Division Bench headed by Chief Justice AP Shah asked MCD to convert a portion of its four-storeyed commercial building at Motia Khan to covert into a temporary night shelter at the earliest for the homeless people including those from Pusa Road roundabout.

Appearing for Delhi government, counsel Najmi Waziri said the Chief Secretary has convened a meeting on Wednesday with senior officers of MCD, DDA, NDMC, Department of Education and also the officers from Union Urban Development Ministry to discuss about the short-term action plan for rehabilitation of the destitute here.

The Bench also directed Asha Menon, Member-Secretary, Delhi Legal Services Authority(DLSA), to participate and present her suggestions in the meeting in order to explore possibility for construct a permanent shelter to meet the requirement of Master Plan 2021 for the homeless peole who spend their nights on pavement.