Mayor M.Subramanian inaugurated the first free night shelter for homeless persons set up by the civic body at Pulianthope on Thursday. The civic body will issue identity cards to the inmates of the night shelters. They are free to work during day and return to the shelter at night. The inmates will be taken care of if they have health conditions that require medical attention, he added. Mohammad Ali (62) homeless for 20 years with his meagre earning who does not have enough for a shelter of his own has finally found a safe and secure place to retire at night. No more sleeping on platforms.

The Corporation has identified 11,299 persons staying on the streets at night. The civic body is ready to accommodate them if they show willingness to stay in such night shelters. Night shelters will be constructed in all 10 zones. Corporation Commissioner D.Karthikeyan said that the civic body was studying the condition of homeless people in the city and would devise more strategies to help them. Deputy Commissioner (Education) M.Balaji was present at the inaugural.