BHUBANESWAR: The State Government said it was looking for sponsors for construction of permanent shelters for the homeless. It has already set up five temporary shelters in three cities following a directive of the Supreme Court.
While two temporary shelters are operating each in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, one such facility has been opened at Puri. The apex court had directed the Government to set up 14 shelters in three cities of the State.
The Government has identified four places in Bhubaneswar and two in Cuttack to set up permanent shelters, Chief Secretary Bijay Kumar Patnaik said. Work on these would start next month. HUDCO has come forward to build two shelters each in Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. “So, we are also looking for other sponsors,” he said.
The apex court had asked all the states to set up permanent shelters for the homeless before the onset of
winter.
The commissioners appointed by the apex court reported that Odisha is among the 10 states which have put up only 20 to 30 per cent of shelters needed to provide accommodation to poor people in urban areas.
The Government will submit another affidavit to the court indicating the progress in the construction of the shelters.