Temperature dropped down to 13 degree Celsius some days ago. People living in cozy atmosphere of the house do not have to fight against cold but for the poor and homeless sleeping on the streets in winter is a potentially deadly ordeal. In Andhra Pradesh state more than 42 thousand people live on footpaths and roads. In Hyderabad alone, more than 17000 people are homeless.
Sheikh Amjad who lives on a footpath near Moazzamjahi market told that he has no house to live in. He came to city from Parbhani, Maharashtra in search of livelihood. Although he has got work he doesn’t earn enough to take a house on rent. Similarly Nadeem and Pappu too have no place to spend the night. They live in constant fear of street dogs and vehicles passing by.
Sunita and Prem’s abode is a four wheel cart on which they sell fruits during the day and sleep in the night. Sunita told that she uses Sulabh complex to attend nature’s call. Every time she has to shell out Rs. 3; and Rs. 20 for a bath.
Poor and homeless hope that government will make night shelters so that they can seek protection from the winter weather.
Siasat news