Solar-powered shelters for homeless in Delhi

The new concept of Indo-Global Social Service Society (IGSSS) and Micro Home Solutions will provide portable bamboo shelters with solar panels on their roofs to the million of homeless people in Delhi.

This new idea is an addition to the Night shelters provided to the homeless people in every winter by Delhi Government. The present night shelters are the tent houses, which are actually unable to insulate the residents from the chilly winters. However, it could be different this time; the aesthetically designed bamboo houses by Micro Home Solutions will not only protect residents from the cold but will also have solar panels that will generate own power to light up rooms inside them. In addition, these bamboo shelters can accommodate around 100 people.

Over this concept Mr. Rajiv Rajiv Kumar, SDM (headquarters), told media that the government had agreed to the concept of bamboo shelters in principle and was keen to get MCD and NDMC to allot space for them. He also added that he had suggested at the meeting with IGSSS they should identify the location and we would facilitate the process of getting permission for setting up the shelter. A shelter around Bangla Sahib Gurdwara would be a good option as Hanuman Mandir and Sacred Heart Cathedral are also in the same area. Many homeless people live around these religious institutions.

Mr. Indu Prakash Singh, technical advisor at IGSSS, added that the idea behind this shelter, made up of porta cabins, was to create clean and respectable accommodation for the homeless. “Why should shelters associated with homeless remind one of dirty, dingy spaces? Homeless people too have a right to a dignified life. With bamboo shelters, we are doing our bit to help these poor people,” addded Singh. Mr. Singh also added that once they get the permission, the shelter will be assembled within four day and they hope to set them up up by mid-December.

Source: Times of India