Hyderabad: As part of its ongoing campaign to make the city a beggar-free Hyderabad, GHMC officials have launched a special drive to identify and relocate beggars from major junctions to shelter homes.
Officials from the Urban Community Development (UCD) wing intensified the effort over the past two to three days. Teams have been deployed to spot individuals involved in begging around busy intersections, religious sites, and public spaces.
Those identified are being medically screened and moved to GHMC-run shelter homes. In cases where possible, officials are tracing families and reuniting individuals with them after counselling.
In the past week, GHMC has identified 221 beggars across the city. This includes 173 men, 37 women, and 11 children. Of these, 19 individuals have been shifted to shelters, while others were counselled and handed over to their family members.
The operation covered several high-density areas, including Basheer Bagh, Secretariat, Nampally, and Begum Bazaar.
GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan said the beggar-free Hyderabad initiative would be a regular exercise. He added that footpath dwellers are also being relocated as part of the same programme.
Special teams have been formed to carry out the operation citywide.