India, May 12 -- In a major humanitarian outreach, the Delhi government on Monday launched a citywide 'Seva & Rescue Campaign' aimed at rescuing homeless, sick and destitute people living in vulnerable conditions across the national capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta flagged off the five-day campaign from Mukhyamantri Seva Sadan with a fleet of specially equipped ambulances and rescue vehicles, calling the initiative a mission to restore dignity, treatment and shelter to the abandoned and helpless. The intensive drive, which will continue till May 15, is being jointly conducted by the Delhi government's Department of Social Welfare, Apna Ghar Ashram and Seva Bharti across all 13 districts of Delhi. Around 300 vulnerable people are expected to benefit from the campaign in its first phase. Also Read - Min Sood directs regular fire audits A total of 19 rescue ambulances, 10 support vehicles, nearly 100 staff members and 50 volunteers have been deployed for the operation. Rescue teams will identify homeless, abandoned, sick and differently-abled people living on roadsides, railway stations, bus stands, religious places and other public spaces and shift them to shelter homes for treatment and rehabilitation. Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said, "Serving humanity is the top priority of our government. No one in need should be deprived of help." She added that the rescue teams would ensure that those abandoned on the streets receive immediate care, treatment and safe shelter facilities. Also Read - Delhi govt tightens dust control norms The Chief Minister said rescued persons would be shifted to Apna Ghar Ashram, where arrangements have been made for medical treatment, food, care and rehabilitation. "If the families of rescued individuals are identified and willing to take them back, efforts will be made to reunite them with their loved ones after recovery," she said, adding that those without family support would continue receiving compassionate care at the Ashram. Praising the contribution of Apna Ghar Ashram, the Chief Minister said the organisation had been "serving humanity in the truest sense" by providing respectful care to thousands of elderly and destitute citizens. She noted that many people suffering from serious illnesses and neglect are forced to live on the streets without access to treatment or shelter. Under the campaign, priority will be given to patients suffering from serious illnesses such as tuberculosis, cancer and AIDS. The government has arranged accommodation for up to 500 destitute persons, including 100 beds for women and 400 for men. To streamline rescue operations, the government has also established a dedicated 24x7 one-window system in coordination with the Social Welfare Department. Officials said nearly 20 people have already been rescued successfully in the first phase of the campaign.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.