Chennai: Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) is set to establish 200 temporary container-based shelters across the city to provide free accommodation for migrant workers and homeless families. It would create interim housing facilities in different parts of the city to address the growing need for safe and accessible shelter for vulnerable groups.GCC will identify land parcels to set up these shelters after studying the migrant population in different parts of the city. Each container unit is expected to be equipped with basic amenities such as sleeping spaces, toilets, electricity, and drinking water. The facilities will primarily serve migrant labourers who come to the city for work in sectors such as construction, sanitation, and informal services, along with families who do not have stable housing.“The project will provide more organised accommodation for people who often live on pavements, under bridges, or in makeshift settlements due to the lack of affordable housing in the city. It will be implemented based on assessments and community requirements. The design will also be finalised based on these needs,” said a senior official with the GCC.At present, the civic body runs 49 shelters for the homeless, including 37 regular shelters and 12 special shelters attached to hospitals. It is also planning to improve facilities at these shelters. It also intends to provide three meals a day to workers staying in the shelters.
