With the cold wave intensifying across Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi inspected government-run rain baseras in Gorakhpur on Wednesday (Decemebr 10) late evening/ night to assess on-ground arrangements for sheltering the homeless and needy. CM Yogi reviewed facilities, interacted with people staying there, and distributed blankets and food.
Government Steps Up Relief Measures
Amid the harsh winter conditions, the Uttar Pradesh government has established rain baseras across the state to provide safe and dignified shelter to the homeless. During the inspection, CM Yogi said the administration is committed to ensuring that no destitute or needy person sleeps in the open. He added that all shelters must operate at full capacity and offer essential facilities such as bedding, blankets, cleanliness, and food for those who need it.
The Chief Minister emphasised that district administrations, tehsils, and urban local bodies have already been allocated adequate funds for blanket distribution, woollen clothing, and setting up bonfires at required locations.
Inspection of Railway Station and Jhulelal Temple Shelters
CM Yogi personally visited rain baseras near the Gorakhpur Railway Station and the Jhulelal Temple. He examined the conditions inside the shelters and interacted warmly with people staying there. Many had come from districts such as Deoria, Kushinagar, Ballia, Gagaha, and Chauri Chaura, while some had travelled from Bihar for work, exams, medical treatment, or other needs.
During the interaction, people expressed satisfaction with the arrangements, noting availability of bedding, cleanliness, and food. Several individuals grew emotional when the Chief Minister enquired about their well-being, expressing surprise that he had personally come to check on their condition.
The Chief Minister distributed food and blankets with his own hands inside the shelters and also to large groups of needy people waiting outside the railway station.
‘Every Life Is Precious; No One Should Sleep in the Open’: CM Yogi
Speaking to the media after the inspection, CM Yogi said that the state machinery is working sensitively to protect people from the severe cold wave. He stressed that every person’s life is precious and instructed officials to ensure that no one sleeps on footpaths, platforms, or roads. Anyone found in the open must be safely shifted to a rain basera, he said, adding that officials must conduct continuous monitoring of these shelters.
CM Yogi also highlighted that local bodies and panchayats have been directed to arrange bonfires wherever necessary and to ensure timely distribution of warm clothing to the needy.
In Gorakhpur city, the Municipal Corporation is currently operating 14 rain baseras with a combined capacity to shelter between 700 and 1,000 people every night.
Senior Officials Accompany CM During Inspection
Several public representatives and administrative officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the inspection. Those present included Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, MLC Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLA Vipin Singh, Kali Bari Mahant Ravindradas, Municipal Board Deputy Chairman Pawan Tripathi, councillors, and officers from the administration, police, and municipal corporation.
