Rain Basera: Delhi’s Lifeline in the Chilling Winters
The hands tremble in the frigid air, their colour fading to an even paler hue, as the biting winds grip Delhi. With dipping temperatures, the city’s homeless find a haven in night shelters called Rain Basera. These shelters are managed by the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) in collaboration with NGOs.
For thousands of homeless individuals who might otherwise face the brutal cold, these shelters serve as a vital lifeline. However, their existence highlights systemic neglect, resource limitations, and broader issues of poverty and unemployment. The capital city, which is home to over 20 million residents, has an estimated 150,000 to 200,000 homeless people, according to the Housing and Land Rights Network. Despite having 200 shelters with a combined capacity of up to 17,000 last year, the availability fell short, leaving many of the most vulnerable to endure life on the streets.
“Staying here helps me save whatever little I earn. It’s better than being on the streets,” says Rajesh Kumar, a 32-year-old daily wage labourer who is one of those who have sought refuge in a Rain Basera. Having lost his job during the pandemic, he was compelled to send his family back to their village in Uttar Pradesh. Underscoring the vital role these shelters play in preserving dignity and providing a sense of security, they offer a space where individuals can feel safe and protected.
Though these shelters are beacons of hope, they are not perfect. Ratan Kumar, caretaker of a shelter in Seelampur, lamented, “The hygiene conditions are poor, and the shelters often attract addicts.” His shelter, with a capacity for 50 people, had only three occupants on a recent winter day. This reflects a deeper issue: many are deterred by inadequate facilities and stigma.
Basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, and mattresses are available; however, the quality varies. At the Nizamuddin shelter, Satyendra, who is a rickshaw puller, and his wife Devi have been living here for five years. While being thankful for the shelter, Devi said, “A meal in the morning would make things easier.” Realising this, the government has also planned to include breakfast in addition to the current two meals.
Ramzan Ali, caretaker of the Nizamuddin shelter, emphasised their preparedness for emergencies. “If someone shows symptoms of COVID-19, they are immediately sent to Safdarjung Hospital. Thankfully, we’ve had no positive cases so far,” he said.
Suroor Mander, a lawyer and activist, critiqued the government’s approach, saying, “The state needs to act like it cares. Relief camps and shelters should offer holistic support, legal, medical, and psychological assistance.”
Despite the challenges, Rain Basera remains a critical intervention in addressing homelessness during Delhi’s unforgiving winters. However, systemic issues like unemployment and lack of affordable housing demand long-term solutions. Initiatives such as skill development programs for the homeless, the expansion of shelter facilities, and better resource allocation could help address these challenges.
As Delhi braces for another harsh winter, these shelters remind us of societal inequalities and stand as a testament to collective resilience. For Rajesh, Satyendra, Devi, and many others, the Rain Basera is not just a place to stay; it represents a beacon of hope during their most difficult times.
About Authors:
Mudit Aggarwal and Riddhima Thareja are second-year Media and Journalism Honours students at Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.
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