NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of 474 Homeless Deaths in Delhi Winter Crisis
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of a disturbing media report highlighting the deaths of 474 homeless individuals in Delhi within just 56 days this winter. The report, based on data from the Centre for Holistic Development (CHD), an NGO working with the homeless, attributes these fatalities to extreme cold and a lack of essential protective measures, such as warm clothing, blankets, and adequate shelters.
According to CHD, the deaths occurred between December 15, 2024, and January 10, 2025, with nearly 80 percent of unidentified bodies in Delhi believed to be homeless individuals. The NHRC has expressed grave concern, stating that if the report is accurate, it represents a serious violation of human rights.
In response, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, seeking a detailed report within one week. The inquiry aims to assess the government's preparedness in safeguarding vulnerable populations during the harsh winter months and to identify gaps in shelter provisions.
The media report, published on January 16, 2025, paints a grim picture of the situation, stating that many night shelters in the national capital are overcrowded and ill-equipped to meet demand. Even where shelters exist, they often lack essential facilities like heating and hot water, leaving occupants vulnerable to hypothermia, respiratory infections, and other cold-related ailments.
Human rights activists have called for urgent intervention from authorities, urging them to bolster relief measures, increase shelter capacity, and ensure better access to medical care for Delhi’s homeless population. The NHRC’s swift action underscores the urgency of addressing this humanitarian crisis and holding officials accountable for the welfare of the city’s most vulnerable residents.