Delhi government launches five-day rescue drive for homeless people

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday (May 11, 2026) launched a five-day ‘Seva & Rescue Campaign’ for destitute, sick and homeless persons in Delhi.

Flagging off a fleet of specially equipped ambulances and rescue vehicles, the Chief Minister said the government aims to provide immediate assistance to an estimated 300 vulnerable people living on roadsides, pavements, and public spaces across Delhi and shift them to safe shelter facilities.

The initiative is being jointly carried out by the Delhi government’s Department of Social Welfare, Apna Ghar Ashram, an NGO working for homeless, destitute and abandoned people, and Sewa Bharati, an RSS-affiliated NGO that works on community service projects.

Those rescued will be taken to Apna Ghar Ashram, where arrangements have been made for their treatment, care, food, medical support and rehabilitation, said Ms. Gupta.

If the families of the rescued individuals are identified and willing to take them back, efforts will be made to reunite them with their loved ones after recovery, the Chief Minister said. For those without family support, Apna Ghar will provide care with dignity, compassion, and humanity, she said, praising the NGO for “serving humanity in the truest sense by giving thousands of elderly people, women and destitute citizens a new lease of life and respectful care”.

Ms. Gupta said that many people suffering from serious illnesses, physical hardships and neglect are forced to live on the streets without timely access to treatment, food or shelter and extending help to such people is a shared responsibility of the government and society.

“To ensure smooth and effective implementation of the campaign, a dedicated 24×7 ‘one-window system’ has also been developed in coordination with the Social Welfare Department. In the first phase of the drive, around 20 people have already been rescued,” read a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

It added, “Under the campaign, rescue teams are identifying and helping homeless, abandoned, sick and differently abled men and women living on roads, railway stations, bus stands, religious places and other public areas across all 13 districts of Delhi. Priority is being given to those suffering from serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, cancer and AIDS by providing them safe shelter, treatment and proper care.”