The Hindu     13.06.2010

Corporation to set up night shelters

Staff Reporter

For the benefit of those who sleep on pavements

Photo: K. Ganesan

helping hand: Corporation Commissioner Sebastin (right) inspecting a community centre in Madurai.

MADURAI: Madurai Corporation has planned to set up night shelters for the homeless.

The Corporation Commissioner, S. Sebastine, along with officials, inspected a few marriage halls and community halls on Friday.

The Corporation with the assistance of Madurai Institute of Social Sciences has identified 320 persons who do not have home and sleep on pavements in nights.

“Most of them are beggars and remaining others work in small eateries. They too sleep on pavements,” Mr. Sebastine said.

At least three night shelters would be established where these people could sleep without any disturbance. “Besides providing them water, toilet, electricity including fan, we will supply mats and pillows,” he added.

Steps to identify beneficiaries are over.

They would be given photo identity cards.

“Only those with such cards would be allowed to enter the shelters. We are looking up to voluntary organisations to manage the shelters and provide them tea and coffee free of cost,” he said.

Separate enclosures for men and women would be provided.

The shelters would ensure safe roof and improve personal hygiene for the homeless.

“We will prevent open defecation. Many of them do not take regular baths and do not wash their clothes,” he said.

The shelters would become functional in another 10 days.