Minister AK Sharma Conducts Surprise Night Inspection of Shelters Amid Cold Wave

In a move to ensure the safety of the city's most vulnerable during the ongoing severe cold wave, Uttar Pradesh Urban Development and Energy Minister, Mr. AK Sharma, conducted a surprise inspection of night shelters (Rain Baseras) in Varanasi late last night.

The Minister's visit, which began after 10:00 PM, was aimed at assessing the ground reality of the facilities provided to the homeless. He was accompanied by Municipal Commissioner Mr. Himanshu Nagpal and other senior officials.

Ground Reality Check at Sikraul The inspection focused on the shelter located at Bhimnagar in Sikraul Ward. Minister Sharma took a hands-on approach, interacting directly with the occupants to inquire about their comfort and well-being.

Quality Control: He personally checked the quality of the blankets provided to ensuring they were sufficient for the biting cold.

Hygiene & Sanitation: The condition of the toilets and general cleanliness of the facility were reviewed.

Relief Measures: To further support those seeking refuge, the Minister distributed food packets to the occupants.

Zero Tolerance for Sleeping in the Open Emphasizing the government's commitment to public welfare, Minister Sharma issued strict directives to the accompanying officials.

"No one should be found sleeping in the open during this cold," the Minister stated firmly.

He directed the Varanasi Municipal Corporation to launch daily night patrols to identify homeless individuals sleeping on pavements or public spaces and ensure they are immediately shifted to the nearest night shelter.

Tech-Enabled Monitoring During the inspection, Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal briefed the Minister on the modernization of these facilities. He highlighted that the shelter is now equipped with:

CCTV Cameras for security and monitoring.

Wi-Fi Facilities to ensure better connectivity and management.

The surprise visit sends a strong message to the administration to remain on high alert and ensure that the city's relief measures effectively reach those in need during this harsh winter spell.