As a cold wave swept across Delhi, many people sought warmth in shelter homes as temperatures fell to the low single digits. In areas like Jama Masjid and near AIIMS, you could see individuals wrapped in thick blankets, trying to cope with the biting cold.
Ved Pal, who manages the shelter near AIIMS, reported that over 40 people used the shelter on Saturday night. “This is a family shelter, and we provide proper beds and as many blankets as needed. We serve food twice a day and tea with rusk in the morning,” he shared. If anyone feels unwell, a doctor visits, or they are taken to nearby AIIMS for treatment. “We keep basic medicines like paracetamol ready,” he added.
In another shelter, Somu Malhotra explained, “We have both families and single people here. Our place has proper beds and medicine. We also offer tea and rusk, and for medical help, AIIMS is close by.”
Roshan Kumar, at the shelter near Jama Masjid, spoke highly of the support from the Delhi government. “There are about four shelters here, with capacity ranging from 30 to 100 people. We receive three meals daily and have all necessary medical support.”
The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings for ‘cold wave to severe cold wave’ conditions across parts of North India, including Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. IMD scientist Soma Sen Roy mentioned that temperatures could drop by 1-2 degrees Celsius due to strong winds. The minimum temperature recorded on December 14 was 8 degrees Celsius, and today’s forecast expects it to fall to around 7 degrees.