A doctor says that when refugees sleep on the roadside at night, even in cold weather, they are at risk of death.
BENGALURU
Extreme cold, dust, stray dogs, and the constant threat of violence are making life unbearable for homeless people in Bengaluru. Many refugees, beggars, and migrant workers sleep on sidewalks, roadsides, under flyovers, and in front of shops, including areas like Majestic, Malleshwaram, and KR Market, struggling to survive without proper shelter. Small children and elderly citizens are especially vulnerable, shivering through the chilly nights.
In December, Bengaluru recorded a sharp drop in temperatures, with nights between December 22 and 25 hitting a minimum of 13 degrees Celsius. While NGOs distributed blankets, clothes, and some food, the aid was insufficient to prevent suffering. Experts warn that poor nutrition, unsafe drinking water, and exposure to polluted air further worsen their health, making them prone to infections, hypothermia, and other illnesses.
Tragically, fifteen homeless people have died in the city over the past 40 days, due to various causes including cold exposure and accidents, such as being hit by vehicles while sleeping on the roadside. Police have registered cases of unnatural deaths in the affected areas, highlighting the scale of the crisis. Officers noted that while extreme cold may not be the sole cause of death, it exacerbates existing health issues.
The influx of workers coming to Bengaluru in search of employment is rising steadily, increasing the number of people forced to live on the streets. Local authorities are under pressure, but a shortage of funds has limited their ability to provide proper shelters.
Under the centrally sponsored National Urban Livelihoods Mission (NULM), municipal bodies are expected to register refugees and provide safe accommodation. However, NGOs report that allocations to run these centers have been cut in recent years, leaving many refugees with no choice but to sleep on the streets. “The registration of refugees is increasing year by year, but the funding hasn’t kept pace,” said an NGO representative. “This is why so many continue to risk their lives on the roadside.”
With winter continuing, the combination of harsh weather, inadequate shelter, and poor living conditions leaves the city’s most vulnerable residents at constant risk. Immediate intervention and increased support are crucial to prevent further loss of life.
