The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has launched an initiative to identify homeless people living in public places and shift them to safe shelters.
Citizens who find homeless people staying on footpaths, under bridges, near religious places, bus or railway stations, gardens or other public areas can call the AMC’s toll-free helpline 155303 and share their location and other details.
After receiving a complaint, teams from the AMC’s Urban Community Development (UCD) Department will reach the spot, speak to the person and arrange their safe transfer to the nearest shelter home. The civic body has also deployed rescue vehicles, dedicated staff and teams, including bouncers, across different zones for quick action.
35 shelter homes open 24×7
The AMC currently runs 35 shelter homes across Ahmedabad with a combined capacity of 4,315 people. These shelters remain open 24×7 and provide free accommodation without discrimination.
The shelters offer basic facilities including bunk beds, blankets, pillows, drinking water, hot water, cooking and dining facilities, gas connections and fire-safety arrangements.
The AMC has also linked the shelters with nearby Anganwadi centres and government schools to help children of residents access education. People staying at the shelters are also guided and assisted in accessing eligible government welfare schemes.
Free food every night
The civic body provides free, nutritious and hygienic food every night to people staying in its shelter homes.
The AMC has appealed to citizens to call 155303 whenever they find homeless people living in public places. The initiative aims to provide them with safe, dignified accommodation and basic facilities.