Lucknow Prepares for Winter: 25 Permanent and 40 Temporary Shelters to Open, DM Emphasizes Animal Safety

Lucknow: With temperatures expected to drop in the coming days, District Magistrate Visakh Iyer reviewed winter preparedness measures for the city, focusing on night shelters, hospitals, and gaushalas (cow shelters). He emphasized that no citizen, especially the poor or needy, should have to spend nights in the cold, and directed officials to ensure all shelters are fully operational with essential facilities such as beds, blankets, clean water, toilets, and adequate lighting.

During a key meeting held at the Collectorate Auditorium on Tuesday, DM Iyer instructed that all permanent and temporary shelters be repaired and readied for public use. Separate arrangements for men and women were also ordered. According to P.O. Duda, currently eight shelters are operational under the Duda initiative, while an additional 25 permanent and 40 temporary shelters are being set up across the city.

Comprehensive Shelter Arrangements
The DM stressed that all shelters should have clear signage displaying caretaker names and contact numbers for easy accessibility. Government hospitals functioning as temporary shelters must also provide blankets, clean drinking water, toilets, and lighting. Volunteers will be deployed during night hours to assist residents and ensure they can reach the shelters safely.

Animal Welfare Measures
In addition to human safety, the DM directed that arrangements be made to protect cows and other animals during the cold wave. Municipal Commissioner Gaurav Kumar confirmed that repair work on permanent shelters is underway, while tenders for temporary shelters have been completed. DM Iyer also instructed all sub-divisional magistrates to inspect shelters in their jurisdictions and strengthen facilities. Key transportation hubs and bus terminals will have clear signage, PA systems, and adequate accommodation for travelers.