THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Daltonganj, January 14: A 50-bed Ashray Grih (shelter home) near the Daltonganj railway station is providing warmth and comfort during the harsh winter, but remains largely unoccupied, highlighting a gap between availability and use.
The Ashray Grih offers clean beds, blankets, and hygienic washrooms, all maintained in good condition. The blankets are fresh and do not stink, though they will require fumigation after the winter season.
The shelter has adequate lighting and provides free overnight stay for anyone in need. Each bed is equipped with a cupboard for visitors’ use. Facilities available here are comparable to those of a C-grade hotel, but are offered entirely free of cost.
Separate Facility for Women, But Low Footfall
The G+2 Ashray Grih has provisions for women, yet very few women use the facility.
A multi-purpose worker at the shelter, Binay Ram, said efforts were made to persuade homeless women to stay there at night.
“Once, we convinced poor homeless women to stay here, but they left shortly after midnight and returned to the railway platform. They prefer staying there,” he said.
Railway Officials Also Urge Use of Shelter
Daltonganj Railway Station Superintendent Umesh Kumar said many women selling datun remain on the platforms day and night.
“We ask them to move to the shelter at night, but their reluctance is very strong,” he said.
Road Connectivity to Improve Soon
In-charge City Commissioner of Medininagar Municipal Corporation, Md Jawed Hussain, said work on a proper approach road to the Ashray Grih would begin soon.
“It took a lot of time, effort and filling work to level the ground, which earlier was extremely difficult to walk on,” said Jawed, popularly known by his first name.
The RO water purifier at the shelter is currently non-functional after being damaged by improper handling. There is also an urgent need for mosquito nets at the Ashray Grih.
Lack of Awareness Among Public
The correspondent of The Jharkhand Story Network found that six out of ten people were unaware of the existence of this all-season shelter, which remains underutilised not only in winter but also during summer and the rainy season.
Binay Ram also requested the addition of one table and four chairs, saying it would allow residents to sit in the sun during winter.
Despite offering safety, warmth, and dignity free of cost, the Ashray Grih continues to remain a forgotten facility, raising questions about awareness, accessibility, and social behaviour.
