Homelessness in Delhi | Uncovering the Heart-Wrenching Reality

For more than a year, our team embarked on a journey to capture the heart-wrenching stories of those who call the streets of Delhi their home. As we delve deeper into their lives, we uncover a harsh reality that has persisted and, in some ways, worsened over time. Homelessness, once hidden in the shadows, is now Delhi's most glaring and heartrending secret.

Noor Alam: A Struggle for Survival Amid Homelessness

Noor Alam, a homeless man in Delhi, epitomises the daily struggles faced by those living on the streets. In a heartfelt interview, he reveals the dire circumstances he endures. Noor Alam picks junk to make ends meet, but even the most basic necessities like food, water, and medical care remain elusive. When asked about seeking medical help, he says, "When I went to the hospital, they shooed me away. A nail is embedded in my foot, and it is swollen. It's right in front of you. I can't even walk."

What's particularly distressing is Noor Alam's assertion that even government-run facilities meant for the poor, like the Mohalla Clinics, turn him away due to his appearance.

Abdul Rehman and Mohan Mathur: Uniting in Homelessness

Abdul Rehman, a minor boy, and Mohan Mathur, a senior citizen, share their experiences, emphasising that homelessness knows no age. They lack the comfort of a roof over their heads, and their daily lives are marred by hunger and thirst. Abdul Rehman, who has been homeless for two years, candidly admits, "My day passes with hunger and thirst. If someone gives me food, then I eat; otherwise, I go hungry."

Mohan Mathur, who has spent years on the streets, struggles to find even the most basic aid from the government. Despite their challenging circumstances, both Abdul Rehman and Mohan Mathur maintain a remarkable sense of resilience, finding makeshift shelters and collecting scrap to earn a meagre income.

In the bustling streets of India's capital, the destitute struggle for survival, with little hope of escaping their dire circumstances. While many organisations and individuals work tirelessly to alleviate this issue, much more needs to be done to address the root causes of homelessness and provide meaningful solutions.

Unveiling the Harsh Realities and Challenges of Life on Delhi's Streets

In a heart-wrenching account, Fatima Khatun shares her descent from a life with a semblance of security to the unforgiving streets of Delhi. She reveals that her shanty in Khusro Park was destroyed, leaving her and her family without a home. During the last lockdown, the police detained them in a school, where they faced further adversity. Fatima's younger child's health is at risk, possibly suffering from cancer or TB, but their financial constraints prevent them from seeking treatment. She recounts a tragic incident where the police abused and beat them when they called for help after her daughter was violated.

Malti, another homeless individual in Delhi, reveals the harsh reality of her life. After her slum was destroyed, she shifted to the streets with her three children. Desperate to survive, she enrolled her children in a ladies' centre and resorted to begging on the streets to make ends meet.

Santhosh Tiwari: A Father's Unbearable Loss

In the tragic story of Santhosh Tiwari, we learn of his unbearable pain. His 14-year-old daughter was brutally raped and murdered, leaving his family shattered. Despite filing a police report, justice eluded them, forcing Santhosh and his family to live on the streets of Delhi. He faces daily threats from thieves and criminals who target the homeless population, adding to his anguish.

Challenges of Seeking Shelter

The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) operates night shelters known as Rain Baseras for the homeless population. However, our engagement with homeless individuals revealed why many avoid seeking refuge in these shelters, even during inclement weather. Many cited concerns about poor hygiene, safety issues, and the prevalence of illicit activities like gambling and violence within these shelters.

Geeta Devi shared her experience, stating, "What will we do living in the Rain Basera? We get robbed there. Everything gets stolen there. They do gambling there. That place is a hub of illicit activities." Her sentiment was echoed by Bhim Bahadur, who emphasised the infestations and clothing damage caused by overcrowding in the shelter. Fatima Khatun recounted her traumatic experience in a night shelter, where she faced quarrels, eviction, and even an attempt to set her belongings on fire.

Inside Delhi's Shelter Homes: A Sobering Reality

Intrigued by the harrowing accounts of Delhi's homeless population, we embarked on a journey to step inside one of the city's Rain Baseras, the government-operated night shelters, to witness the living conditions firsthand. What we encountered was a disheartening scene of neglect and despair. Unhygienic bathrooms, contaminated water tanks, and an overall state of disrepair greeted us as we entered the shelter. Those residing there lamented the lack of adequate monitoring and revealed that they sought refuge out of sheer helplessness, rather than any sense of assurance or comfort.