Fri Jul 04 03:00:46 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a news article based on it:

**Summary:**

A recent article in The Hindu highlights the growing issue of homelessness in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. The article focuses on the experiences of residents at the Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) night shelter at TSR Complex and the efforts of the Association for Urban and Tribal Development (AUTD), an NGO, to assist them. Many homeless individuals are abandoned due to poverty, domestic issues, or mental illness. The existing shelters are insufficient to meet the rising needs due to population growth and migration. Shelters face challenges such as inadequate facilities and potential displacement by public representatives. Experts suggest increasing shelters, establishing temporary shelters for laborers, old age homes, and more affordable family shelters near hospitals. The GVMC is considering a new shelter in Bheemunipatnam, but concerns exist about its location.

**News Article:**

**Visakhapatnam Grapples With Rising Homelessness Crisis; Shelters Overwhelmed**

**Visakhapatnam, July 4, 2025** – Visakhapatnam is facing a growing homelessness crisis, with existing night shelters struggling to meet the rising demand. A recent report highlights the plight of vulnerable individuals abandoned by their families and forced to live on the streets.

The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) night shelter at TSR Complex offers refuge to approximately 85 people, many of whom have experienced trauma, abandonment, or mental illness. Sanyasamma, 70, a resident, was abandoned by her son. Gopal, 60, a former rickshaw puller, was also abandoned.

The Association for Urban and Tribal Development (AUTD), an NGO working with the GVMC, brings approximately 100-120 new people to shelters each month. Srinavasa Rao, a field worker with AUTD, said that most homeless people were abandoned due to financial distress, domestic abuse, or mental and physical health problems.

“Sleeping on footpaths could be very dangerous,” said Pragada Vasu, AUTD Secretary.

A 2017 survey counted 631 homeless individuals in a single zone of Visakhapatnam, and experts believe the number has risen significantly due to increased migration and construction.

Currently, the city has just eight night shelters, providing approximately 350 beds. Advocates say the city needs at least 1,500-2,000 beds to meet current and future needs, consistent with Supreme Court guidelines.

While the GVMC is considering a new shelter in Bheemunipatnam, concerns are being raised that its location, nearly 30 km from the city center, may not be suitable for many of those who need it.

NGOs are urging the government to conduct regular surveys to accurately assess the homeless population and establish temporary shelters for migrant workers, old age homes, and affordable family shelters near hospitals. They also point out the issue of existing shelters threatened with being moved from corporation venues used for event spaces. Advocates emphasize the urgency of increasing shelter capacity and improving existing facilities to adequately address this growing humanitarian crisis.

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