The Homeless Crisis in Visakhapatnam: A Grim Urban Reality
— By Suryavanshi IAS for UPSC Aspirants
Context and Relevance for UPSC
Urban poverty, homelessness, and shelter management are crucial aspects of GS Paper II (Governance and Social Justice) and GS Paper I (Society). This case study from Visakhapatnam provides real-time insight into the failures of urban infrastructure, social exclusion, and the role of civil society and government in addressing systemic vulnerabilities. Aspirants can use this example in essay papers, ethics, and case-based answers in GS and optional papers like Sociology or Public Administration.
Ground Reality: Rising Homelessness in the City of Destiny
Visakhapatnam, a fast-growing industrial and port city in Andhra Pradesh, is facing a silent but severe crisis — rising homelessness. With only 350 beds spread across eight night shelters, the infrastructure falls woefully short of the Supreme Court mandate of one 100-bed shelter per 1 lakh population.
Key Numbers:
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Population of Vizag (approx.): 25–30 lakhs
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Shelter requirement as per SC: ~2,500–3,000 beds
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Available beds: ~350
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Shelter gap: Over 85%
Human Stories Behind the Statistics
The crisis is not just about numbers — it’s about people.
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Sanyasamma, a 70-year-old woman abandoned by her son, now finds solace in a night shelter, yet holds onto maternal hope.
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Gopal, a former rickshaw puller from Odisha, cannot remember why he ended up in Visakhapatnam.
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Surendra Babu, an elderly hotel worker from Kerala, has no desire to return to his family after being abandoned.
Each story echoes systemic neglect, family breakdown, and urban invisibility.
Causes of Homelessness: A UPSC Framework
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Push Factors:
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Domestic violence
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Elderly abandonment
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Mental illness or memory loss
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Rural unemployment
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Pull Factors:
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Migration to urban hubs in search of jobs or healthcare
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Perceived safety or resources in cities
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Structural Failures:
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Lack of affordable housing
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Inadequate old age homes and rehabilitation centres
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Absence of temporary shelters near industrial belts
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Policy Gaps:
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Delayed implementation of urban shelter policies
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No dedicated government-run old age home in Vizag
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Current Institutional Mechanisms
The night shelters are largely managed by AUTD (Association for Urban and Tribal Development) in partnership with GVMC. These NGOs play a critical role in:
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Rescuing and rehabilitating the homeless
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Running kitchens and basic healthcare support
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Attempting family reunification in cases of abandonment or mental illness
Yet, these shelters are underfunded, understaffed, and overcrowded.
Challenges Faced by Shelter Systems
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Dilapidated infrastructure (e.g., TSR Complex shelter)
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No permanent kitchen or toilets in many shelters
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Lack of mental health and addiction treatment
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Safety risks for women, children, and elderly on streets
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Political interference: Existing shelters being pressured to vacate public halls
What Needs to Be Done: Recommendations for Policy Makers
1. Infrastructure Expansion
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Immediate construction of at least 1,500–2,000 beds
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Zone-wise mapping and micro-planning of new shelters
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Refurbishment of old shelters (e.g., Bheem Nagar, Arilova)
2. Data-Driven Governance
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Conduct regular surveys with NGOs, GVMC, and health departments
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Maintain digital homeless registries for better targeting
3. Holistic Urban Care Model
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Set up government-run old age homes in each zone with minimum 30 beds
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Establish temporary shelters near industrial belts like Gajuwaka and Kurmannapalem
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Create family shelters at minimal cost (₹30–₹50) near hospitals like KGH
4. Mental Health Integration
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Collaborate with institutions like Shraddha Rehabilitation Foundation
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Strengthen referral linkages to GHMC and KGH for psychiatric care
5. Civil Society and CSR Engagement
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Encourage private sector CSR to fund shelter infrastructure
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Support volunteerism for food drives, health camps, and counseling
UPSC Mains Answer Writing Tip
In questions on urban poverty, vulnerable sections, or urban governance, use this as a model:
“For instance, Visakhapatnam city, despite being a smart city contender, has only 350 night shelter beds against a requirement of 2,000. This reflects the widening urban inequality and the urgent need for compassionate infrastructure planning.”
Ethical Angle
This issue also raises ethical questions around:
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Neglect of the elderly
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Urban apathy to the invisible poor
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The duty of care by the state
A quote to remember for essay or ethics:
“The measure of a society is how it treats its most vulnerable members.” — Mahatma Gandhi
Conclusion
Homelessness in Visakhapatnam is a stark reminder that urban growth without inclusive infrastructure is a mirage. The solution lies not just in building more shelters but also in rebuilding lost human connections, supporting mental health, and creating compassionate policies that leave no one behind.
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