Bengaluru has 20,000 homeless, but shelter for only 200
Synopsis
Thousands of homeless in Bengaluru are seeking refuge at bus stops, footpaths, temple premises and other public places, due to an utter dearth of shelters in the city.
Although the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) has reserved a good amount in the current budget to set up shelter homes for the homeless, the existing ones, unfortunately, are in deplorable shape.
Most lack basic maintenance, while some are closed due to their dilapidated condition.
Currently, eight night-care hostels can accommodated 25 each, which totals to 200. According to a 2013 survey, Bengaluru had 1,218 migrant refugees, including 950 men and 268 women.
But a recent survey by IGS and nine other private organisations pegged the figure at over 20,000 refugees.
In accordance with a 2013 Supreme Court ruling, the BBMP has set up temporary hostels in 12 locations. Of these, two were closed last year and another two this year.
Who are these refugees?
The homeless are mainly migrants to the city, working as daily labourers, coolies, and petty traders who cannot afford a rented house.
Statistics
- 1218 – Refugees in Bengaluru in 2013
- 100 – The number of hostels the city needs
- 12 – The number of hostels set up by BBMP
- 8 – Hostels offering accommodation