Heat wave alarms, water coolers and dedicated wards in hospitals: Delhi government unveils thermal action plan
“Our mission is to make Delhi’s heat-resistant agents, protect life and make it liveable for residents every season,” the Chief Minister said.
Gupta actually opened three cool roof pilot projects in Anand Vihar and Kashmere Gate and Delhi Secretariat, adding that the number of such projects will soon expand throughout the city.
During the event, two important environmental programs were also launched – “Cool Roofing Technology” and “Digital Cold Water Distributor”.
The enthusiastic action plan outlines key strategies, including the establishment of early warning systems with the meteorological sector, inter-agency coordination, public awareness campaigns, capacity-building programs, and partnerships with NGOs and civil society groups.
The plan highlights particularly the city’s most vulnerable areas, such as slum clusters, shanty town settlements, low-income neighborhoods and hot-prone hotspots. During heat waves, these areas tend to have much higher temperatures than in other areas of the city, making it the focus of target interventions. Special attention will also be given to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, pregnant women, construction workers and urban poor.
Under the new plan, the government will install 3,000 water coolers in Delhi – along the road, 1,000 water coolers in government buildings, and 1,000 water coolers in rural and underserved areas where drinking water is limited.
Cooling shelters and shadow structures will be built along sidewalks, bus stops and public places to mitigate pedestrians and daily workers most exposed to the harsh sun.
“Not everyone works in air-conditioned vehicles or in air-conditioned offices. Workers and street vendors work in the sun for hours. We have to make sure they have safe, shaded attractions that can rest and enter drinking water.”
The action plan was developed by the Delhi Disaster Management Agency in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Agency and also included the adoption of cool roof and green roofing technologies in government and private buildings to reduce urban heating.
A cool roof reflects sunlight and absorbs less heat, helping to make buildings cooler and reduce energy consumption. Dedicated cooling shelters and drinking water facilities will be established at all major bus stations, bus stations and railway stations.
Health Minister Pankaj Kumar said all Delhi government hospitals will be equipped with dedicated heatwave wards and cat ambulances will be stationed for a quick response. He added that all necessary medical supplies will be provided to ensure timely treatment.
Officials say 1.4 million students at more than 5,500 schools in Delhi will receive disaster management and heatwave awareness training. Schools will also be directed to ensure that the water cooler and drinking water arrangement are fully functional.
The Delhi government will work with IMD to issue real-time heat wave alerts to inform the public in advance when dangerous high temperatures are expected.
“Timely alerts can save lives. We will make sure people know when the heat reaches peak so that they can take the necessary precautions.”
The initiative also received support from the central government. The Chief Minister welcomed the arrival of 1800 “AAPDA MITRA” (Disaster Volunteers) of the Centre and pointed out that these volunteers are not only a team, but also a lively symbol of vigilance and a spirit of service in every corner of Delhi.
She said the disaster volunteers will serve as frontline fighters in the implementation of the thermal action plan.
The government will also build cooling shadows on the sidewalks to provide pedestrians with sun relief.
Additionally, the program includes instructions from the Department of Labor, which has been required to organize training courses for employers and outdoor workers on how to stay safe during heat waves.
Consultations will also be sent to construction and industrial units to modify working hours and avoid peak periods. All workplaces must ensure that drinking water is provided to workers.
The task of various departments including MCD, PWD, I&FC, DJB, DUSIB, DELHI Police, NDMC and Traffic Police is to build shadowed bus booths, identify emergency shelters, ensure drinking water at major points, and ensure cooling jackets are distributed to traffic personnel constantly exposed to Sun.
Authorities have also been directed to maintain water bodies in forested areas to support wildlife during peak summer seasons.
The Chief Minister said that Delhi’s thermal action plan is not only suitable for the people, but also targets thousands of silent birds and animals that share our planet. “Whether it’s birds, cattle or stray animals, we’re working to make sure they have access to drinking water, shadows and calories.”
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh, Health Minister Pankaj Singh, NDMA members and Hod Rajendra Singh, Chief Secretary Dharmendra and representatives from NDMA and UNEP were also attended.
