Goa works on action plan to house homeless, decision later this week

PANAJI: The North Goa and South Goa collectorates have begun work on an action plan to take care of homeless individuals, including a proposal to house them in shelter homes. The report, which has yet to be finalised, will be placed before the government and the state executive committee (SEC) later this week.
Meanwhile, the government has also asked urban local bodies to conduct a survey in collaboration with local NGOs to identify the homeless and destitute in Goa’s 14 towns.
“We are working on a report but we have not reached a stage where we can say that we have finalised anything,” said South Goa district collector Ajit Roy.
The death of two homeless individuals in Margao due to Covid-19 sparked panic in the commercial capital and prompted authorities to look at ways to prevent the spread of the virus among street dwellers. Many homeless live around the Margao railway station, near the bus stands and in gardens in the towns.
“Urban local bodies have been sensitised about the issue and have been asked to conduct a survey within their jurisdiction. Organisations like CRY will be helping out,” said an official.
In March, the government attempted to shelter the homeless at the Margao railway station but the initiative was shut down as the move affected freight movement.
This time around deputy collectors have been asked to identify temporary shelter homes for street dwellers and beggars where they can be safely housed and fed.
Moves are also on to test the individuals for Covid-19 to ensure that the virus does not spread in shelter homes, said a government official.
“The report (action plan for homeless) will be ready and submitted to the chief secretary when the meeting is convened,” said a senior official with the north Goa collectorate.
Several rounds of meetings have been held over the last two weeks to discuss the issue.