CHENNAI: There has been an increase in crime rate in the Koyambedu area because the integrated bus stand there turns into a shelter for more than 1,000 homeless people every night, say police. They have sought permission from the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority member secretary to allow more police personnel and set up more CCTV cameras there. A platform ticketing system could be introduced, they say and urge the corporation to shift the people to its shelters.
An inspection will be done next week. “Most are daily wagers who are from southern Tamil Nadu or other states. They can use the corporation facility but they sleep here,” said an officer. The corporation has 46 shelters.
“In the past few weeks, there have been several vehicle theft cases, chain snatchings and assault cases following fights over sleeping spots,” he said. The CMDA has drawn up a ₹20 crore Koyambedu market modernization plan under which it will decongest vehicles, set up modern facilities, increase green space and use tech-based solutions to resolve the problems. On Friday, a night shelter with a bed capacity of 400 inside the Koyambedu market complex was opened.
“This was mainly to cater to drivers, workers and staff at the vegetable, fruit and flower market who work from midnight until 5am to unload and load vegetables and groceries. Usually, they sleep at shops or in and around the market complex. To provide them with a decent place to stay and freshen up, this was set up at ₹2.73 crore,” CMDA member secretary Anshul Mishra said.
The two-storied building has a resting hall, car and two-wheeler parking, underground water sump and toilet facilities. It has a dining hall, guest rooms, green room for ladies and a community hall.
“There is a need to ensure homeless people are aware of the shelters. Such shelters should be closer to their place of livelihood. As multiple departments are involved in the rescue, reintegration and rehabilitation of the urban homeless there is a need to evolve a policy to strengthen the programme, said Vanessa Peter of Information and Resource Centre for the Deprived Urban Communities.
