India, Jan. 15 -- This winter has been excessively cold for India with a sharper drop in temperatures across several parts of India than previous years, resulting in more frequent cold waves. This has spelt misery for many Indians living without adequate shelter or resources to withstand the cold. For the homeless, such temperature conditions could even prove a death sentence. According to the National Crime Records Bureau, more than 19,000 people lost their lives to cold waves between 1995-2020. In Delhi alone, the National Forum for Homeless Housing Rights estimated 474 deaths among the homeless last winter.

The management of cold waves relies on a coordinated effort between the Union and state governments. While Union government depar...