Temperatures have been rising due to a heatwave, and in response, the government has stepped up its preparedness efforts to enforce the Heat Wave Action Plan in Delhi. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has instructed all departments to respond and implement measures within their areas of responsibility to the extent possible, as Delhi has experienced some of the hottest summers on record over the past few years.

The maximum temperature has exceeded 40°C for sustained periods in previous years; therefore, the focus is on planning for future temperatures, public safety, and infrastructure. Therefore, the government has identified high-risk zones and is implementing measures to reduce heat-related health problems.

What Are the Key Measures Under the Heat Wave Action Plan?

• Scientific heat mapping: The government has used satellite technology to map the city, pinpointing areas at risk of heat in Delhi.
• Temperature zones: Some zones that have recorded temperatures of 45.5°C, including Ayanagar, Najafgarh, and Safdarjung, are now under special monitoring and intervention.
• Mitigation of heat islands: Densely populated places such as Bhalswa, Nand Nagri, and Gokulpuri have experienced the adverse impacts of heat islands. There are plans to provide water tankers, increase ORS supply, and strengthen the local response mechanisms.
• Emergency response teams: There are quick response teams in place, as well as other health care systems, in case of any emergency.

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How Is the Government Protecting Vulnerable Groups During the Heatwave?

• Help for workers: Workers doing outdoor jobs might stop work between 12 pm and 3 pm during heatwaves. Water, helmets, gamchas, and first-aid boxes will be provided to construction workers.
• School safety measures: ORS may be distributed to students leaving their schools to protect them from dehydration due to excessive heat.
• Care for animals and birds: Watering points are being created in parks, public places, and schools to provide animals and birds with proper hydration.
• Public cooling initiatives: Misting machines will be used at bus stops, and roof insulation is another measure that the government might take to reduce heat in public places.

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What Additional Infrastructure and Health Measures Are Being Implemented?

There are currently 339 health clinics throughout 13 districts on standby, and more than 30 hospitals have established designated “cool rooms” for patients suffering from heat stroke. Residents can call 1077, 1070, and 112 for emergency assistance, in addition to the 39 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and ASHA workers posted throughout the city.

Power companies have also been instructed to provide an uninterrupted power supply for critical operations, such as hospitals and water treatment plants. Moreover, Delhi is moving towards the implementation of a “Cool Roof Policy 2026” and has nearly applied reflective coatings in key areas such as Kashmere Gate ISBT. To cool high-density populations, anti-smog guns and misting systems have been utilized, which are part of a multi-layered strategy in response to extreme heat conditions. With record-high annual temperatures, the Heat Wave Action Plan in Delhi provides a comprehensive approach to managing climate change impacts and planning for future climate change.

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