SHILLONG: The government has deputed officers to ascertain whether any person without shelter is living or sleeping on the pavements.
This was the response of the government when a PIL on the matter was heard by the Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice SR Sen.
The government assured that in case any person is found sleeping on pavements, it will be taken care of. The matter will come up for hearing on November 27.
During the hearing, additional senior government advocate, S. Sengupta stated that there is a permanent shelter home available in the Municipal Shillong Board.
Based on the earlier order regarding the matter, the Joint Secretary, Urban Affairs Department and Commissioner and Secretary, Social Welfare Department were present in the court.
The Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare department Tining Dkhar stated that in Shillong, three shelter homes are under construction and in other areas also shelter homes are being constructed.
The Commisioner Secretary said a detailed report on shelter homes will be submitted with the level of construction within two weeks.
The petitioner was also present in the court and when asked whether as on date any person without any shelter is sleeping on the pavements, he responded that in fact, three months back he had come across so many such persons but as on date he is not in a position to give a clear picture.
The court said within ten days’ time, he will ascertain as to whether any person anywhere in Shillong is sleeping on pavements being without any shelter and only then, the authorities can be directed to make temporary arrangements for their protection.
