The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) is set to roll out skill development initiatives and upgrade infrastructure at the Ghansoli homeless shelter following a detailed inspection by Commissioner Dr. Kailas Shinde. The visit led to key directives aimed at improving living conditions and expanding rehabilitation support for shelter residents.
During his inspection, Dr. Shinde interacted with both male and female residents to understand their daily challenges. He enquired about their well-being, food provisions, and the status of routine health check-ups, while emphasising the need for consistent care and improved basic facilities at the shelter.
As part of the new plan, the civic body will introduce skill-based training programmes such as tailoring and handicrafts. These activities are intended to help residents develop practical abilities that could support future employment opportunities. Officials have also been instructed to provide reading material to encourage constructive engagement and learning among the residents.
“We are focusing on not just providing shelter but also empowering residents through skill development and better living conditions,” Dr. Shinde said, adding that efforts will be made to strengthen both infrastructure and rehabilitation systems.
In addition to skill training, several infrastructure enhancements have been planned at the Ghansoli facility. These include the construction of a protective shed at the entrance ahead of the monsoon season and the installation of adequate seating arrangements such as benches for residents. The commissioner also directed officials to evaluate the need for additional shelter centres, given the rising number of homeless individuals in the city.
Senior civic officials including Additional Commissioner Sunil Pawar, Additional City Engineer Arvind Shinde, Deputy Commissioner (Social Development) Somnath Potre, Deputy Commissioner (Solid Waste Management) Dr. Ajay Gadde, and Deputy Commissioner (Gardens) Smita Kale were present during the inspection visit.
The NMMC has stated that it is actively working to enhance shelter facilities and expand support systems for the homeless population, with a focus on both immediate welfare and long-term rehabilitation outcomes in Navi Mumbai.
Source: The Free Press Journal
