New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) The Delhi government has set a clear target of bringing heatwave-related deaths down to zero by 2030, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Friday.
Gupta chaired a high-level meeting to assess preparedness under the heat wave action plan 2026, issuing directions to all departments to strengthen measures at every level.
The chief minister instructed officials to modify working hours for construction workers, make adequate arrangements for shade and drinking water, introduce the ‘water bell’ system in schools and take several other steps.
“On the health front, more than 339 health centres across Delhi have been equipped with ORS packets, ice packs and related supplies, while over 30 hospitals now have dedicated ‘cool rooms’ for heatstroke management,” Gupta said.
Additionally, 174 medical officers and ASHA workers have been trained to handle heat-related illnesses and 330 ambulances have been kept on standby for emergency response, she added.
“In addition, adequate arrangements for shade and drinking water for animals and birds must be ensured,” the chief minister added.
According to officials, the heat action plan is being implemented through the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, which is coordinating efforts across multiple departments in collaboration with more than 17 knowledge partners, including NGOs, to ensure a scientifically robust and well-synchronised response.
Highlighting the urgency, the chief minister noted that Delhi has recorded unprecedented temperatures in recent years, with the mercury touching 43.7 degrees Celsius in 2025 and staying above 40 degrees Celsius for nearly 40 days over the past two to three years.
As part of field-level interventions, drinking water points, water coolers, shaded shelters and cooling points are being set up across the city.
“Delhi Police has installed over 11,000 air coolers and more than 1,900 water coolers, while the traffic police are carrying out large-scale distribution of ORS packets, a drive that will be further expanded in the coming days,” officials added.
Gupta also called for a comprehensive citywide awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive measures.
“Schools have been instructed to introduce a ‘water bell’ system to prompt students to drink water at regular intervals and prevent dehydration,” Gupta said in a statement.
Placing special emphasis on the safety of construction workers and other vulnerable groups, the chief minister directed that working hours be suitably modified, particularly to avoid exposure during peak afternoon heat.
Gupta also instructed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure effective, on-ground implementation of the plan so that residents of Delhi are protected from the severe impact of the ongoing heatwave. PTI SSM SSM HIG HIG
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