Headcount isn’t govt’s headache

After every bout of violence in the city, families residing in sensitive areas flee and take shelter in relief camps, but for the state gove...

After every bout of violence in the city, families residing in sensitive areas flee and take shelter in relief camps, but for the state government the numbers don’t seem to increase. As a result, quite a few relatively smaller camps that have now grown in population are still receiving ration meant for the initial number of inmates.

At Jamalpur Relief Camp, the initial number of people was 1,200, and the Government fixed the quota accordingly. However, after last week’s violence in adjoining areas, another 500 families have taken refuge in the camp. The camp organisers said they are still receiving ration meant for 1,200, while the newly arrived families are still not on the Government’s supply roll. The camp is also facing acute shortage of water as the fixed amount of 15,000 litre is not reaching them. Camp organiser Sharif Khan says after they filed a petition, the High Court had ordered a supply of 30 litre per day for every person in the camp.

Ganj Shaheed Relief Camp in Danilimda area, which came up on April 16, received a registered letter from the collectorate on April 23 putting the number of camp population at 250. However, in the coming weeks, the number shot up to 1,200, of which 400 were sent back. Presently, about 750 people are living in the camp, but the quota coming to the camp is only meant for 250. Camp organiser Zafar Ajmeri said the Government auditor had surveyed the camp on April 26 and gave a written statement of 750 people. ‘‘But still the ration and water supply is for 250 inmates only,’’ said Ajmeri. The camp still has no facility of sanitation or drainage and it was only early this week that four tin bathrooms were given to the camp. ‘‘But there is no drain connection. It’s over a month now and the people still don’t have any sanitation facility,’’ he added.

Story continues below this ad

At Behrampura Relief Camp, the number of victims shot up to 1,500 from 900 after last week’s violence. ‘‘We called up the collectorate, but they said they don’t know anything. We asked them to send their official to conduct a survey, but they haven’t responded yet,’’ said the camp organiser.

Says Deputy Collector Ashok Mehta: ‘‘I haven’t received any call about shortage of food grains.” He claimed fresh surveys were conducted on May 4, 5 and 6, when the officials recounted the number of inmates.

Men who opened fire outside actor Disha Patani’s home killed in encounter in Ghaziabad

Cities2 hr ago

Two men belonging to the Rohit Godara-Goldy Brar Gang were killed in an encounter in Ghaziabad, suspected to be involved in the firing outside Disha Patani's residence. The duo, identified as Ravindra and Arun, were wanted in multiple cases and were spotted by the police through CCTV footage. UP CM Yogi Adityanath had directed for a speedy investigation and strict action against the perpetrators.

View all shorts

Live Blog