New Delhi, India — In an alarming upsurge of heat-related fatalities, Delhi has seen the deaths of nearly 200 homeless individuals in just a week, signaling a severe humanitarian and health crisis. A report released by the Centre for Holistic Development highlighted that from June 11 to June 19, a staggering 192 homeless people succumbed to the blistering temperatures which consistently soared above 40 degrees Celsius.
The relentless heat wave in Delhi has not only shattered temperature records but also the lives of its most vulnerable residents—the homeless. These individuals, often deprived of basic necessities like shelter and drinking water, are facing the brutal force of nature without any defenses. The Centre’s report underscores the dire conditions endured daily by those without homes, conditions that have become fatal amid this extreme weather.
In the past two days alone, Delhi police discovered 50 bodies belonging to individuals from deprived sectors, many of whom are presumed to have died due to the heat. According to the NGO’s findings, 80% of the deceased were homeless, underscoring the disproportionate impact of the heatwave on this segment of the population.
Medical facilities such as the Safdarjung Hospital have been staggered under the pressure, with 13 deaths attributed directly to heat-related ailments recorded in just 24 hours. Similar reports emerged from other health institutions like RML and LNJP Hospitals, where numerous individuals sought treatment for severe dehydration, heatstroke, and related conditions.
Sunil Kumar Aledia, executive director of the Centre for Holistic Development, stressed the gravity of the situation. “The recent spike in fatalities among homeless individuals exposes a gaping need for immediate action to shield the city’s most susceptible groups from the harsh climatic extremities,” Aledia stated.
Aledia further pointed to environmental issues such as air pollution, rapid urbanization, and deforestation as exacerbating factors in the rising temperatures. These conditions not only worsen the plight of the homeless but also contribute to the overall severity of the heatwaves the city is experiencing.
Despite these severe conditions, many homeless individuals find themselves systematically excluded from critical welfare programs due to bureaucratic obstacles like lack of identification documents and a permanent address. Key initiatives intended to support them, such as the Deen Dayal National Urban Livelihood Mission and the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, remain inaccessible to many.
Calling for immediate and comprehensive interventions, Aledia recommended the establishment of cooling centers and an increase in the capacity of shelters. He emphasized that measures such as improved Water distribution are crucial in addressing the urgent needs of homeless populations during such dire times. “Proactive steps including the establishment of more cooling centers, increased shelter capacity, and regular water distribution can mitigate the effects of heat exposure,” he suggested.
Moreover, Aledia advocated for addressing deeper systemic issues that lead to homelessness, proposing more supportive housing and integrated services that tackle the root causes and provide sustainable solutions.
The ongoing crisis in Delhi is a poignant reminder of the critical need for inclusive planning and infrastructure that considers and supports the most vulnerable members of society, especially in preparing and responding to increasing weather-related emergencies. The city faces a challenging path ahead in reforming its approach to urban development and social welfare to prevent such tragedies in the future.