Ahmedabad, May 23 (IANS) The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has been providing shelter, food and healthcare support to homeless residents through 35 shelter homes operating across the city during the ongoing summer heat, officials said on Saturday.

According to the Urban Community Development (UCD) Department of AMC, the shelter homes together have a capacity to accommodate 4,315 people and are currently operating at around 80 per cent occupancy.

Out of the 35 shelter homes, 33 function as day shelters while two operate as night shelters.

AMC said homeless residents staying at these facilities are being provided with regular meals and other basic amenities.

Considering the rising temperatures in Ahmedabad, Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is also being distributed to help residents stay hydrated and protected from heat-related illnesses.

Officials said medical camps are regularly organised at shelter homes where residents undergo general health check-ups as part of preventive healthcare measures.

As part of rehabilitation and livelihood initiatives under the DAY-NULM project, an “Employment Generation” programme was organised on May 21, at the Vasna shelter home, which is operated by AMC in collaboration with an NGO.

During the programme, employment opportunities were provided to 11 residents of the Vasna shelter home in the city’s West Zone.

The UCD Department has also been conducting night drives at the Vasna shelter home, with operations continuing until midnight.

During a recent night drive, 53 homeless people were shifted to the shelter facility.

AMC officials, including the Deputy Municipal Commissioner of the UCD Department, the department’s Director and other officials, have been visiting the shelter homes to monitor their functioning and facilities.

The civic body said regular operations under the anti-beggar drive are also being conducted with the cooperation of the Social Security Department, the police department and AMC’s UCD Department.

AMC said the shelter homes continue to provide support services to homeless residents across the city during extreme weather conditions.

–IANS

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