CHENNAI: Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin inaugurated a newly constructed night shelter for the homeless at Rs 86.40 lakhs, near Anna Park at Marina on Monday. He said the shelter will benefit a large number of people who live on the roadside of Marina Beach.
According to Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials, the night shelter is designated for gypsy community people, as they live in groups and are migratory in nature, and they decline to stay with others. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed with a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) for a particular period, especially for a year, to maintain the facility. Food will be provided three times a day for the beneficiaries.
After the inauguration, Udhayanidhi Stalin provided welfare assistance, including mats, pillows, and bedspreads, to 86 people staying in the shelter. Later, addressing the press, he said, "The night shelter, expanded to a 2,500-square-foot space, will benefit destitute people who sell handicrafts, balloons, and flowers at Marina Beach. The facility will be useful and safe for them in an environment where they have no place to stay at night, during the rain, or in the scorching summer heat."
Further, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "The shelter includes the basic amenities, separate toilets for men and women, bathrooms, cupboards to store their belongings, drinking water, and electricity. On behalf of the Chennai corporation, 15 essential items, including mats, blankets, and pillows, are provided. We are also involved in discussions to extend such facilities to others who may be staying at the Marina."
Banu Priya, a gypsy community member who has granddaughters and sells toys and ornaments at Marina Beach, said, "The new night shelter facility will help us to stay safe at night. Earlier this month, during Cyclonic Storm Ditwah, we endured great hardships. Made tarpaulin tents as temporary shelters to protect us from the rain, and spent the night without eating food. At the shelter, we get food for free."
Another person from the community, V Archana, said, "The shelter is so helpful for me; my clothes will be wet during the rainy season. Due to the cold weather, sleeping on the street, I get sick. Hereafter, we can work all day and stay safely at night."
"Notably, there are 48 night shelters for the homeless in the GCC, with a new facility recently added to the list. Additionally, the local body plans to construct another shelter adjacent to the existing ones. We will serve food to the homeless, which is supplied from Amma Canteen," said a GCC official.
Minister of Municipal Administration, KN Nehru, MP Dayanidhi Maran, Chennai Corporation Mayor R Priya, Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar, Chennai Corporation commissioner J Kumaragurubaran and other senior officials and political members were present at the event.