New Delhi, April 26 (IANS). In view of the rising temperature and serious heat wave situation in the capital, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has issued instructions to make it more effective by conducting a detailed review of the ‘Heat Wave Action Plan 2026’.
He clarified that this year the government has made its strategy more scientific and effective as compared to previous years and not only has special attention been paid to school children and workers working at construction sites, special instructions have also been issued to the departments to provide water to birds and animals. Special teams are also being deployed for heat wave victims.
Laying special emphasis on the sensitivity of thermal hotspot and ‘heat island’ areas of Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that in the last 2-3 years, a serious trend of temperature remaining above 40 degrees for 40 consecutive days is being seen in Delhi. This time the government has done scientific analysis of every nook and corner of Delhi. On the basis of satellite data, areas have been identified where temperatures are reaching record levels. Ayanagar in South Delhi is very sensitive in this, where a temperature of 45.5 degrees has been recorded in the past. Similarly, a temperature of 43.7 degrees (highest of 2025) was recorded in West Delhi’s Najafgarh and 46.8 degrees (highest of 2023) in Safdarjung. Apart from this, areas like Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, Khayla, Shastri Park, Vishwas Nagar, Harkesh Nagar, Hari Nagar and Delhi Gate have emerged as major thermal hotspots. Additionally, densely populated areas bordering Outer Delhi such as Savda, Mubarakpur Dabas, Bhalswa, Nand Nagri, Gokulpuri, and Bakkarwala have also seen a profound effect of ‘heat island’. The government has prepared a special security cycle for these specific areas. This includes providing more ORS packets to health centers in these places, deployment of Quick Response Teams (QRTs), provision of more water tankers, etc.
The Chief Minister has directed all departments, especially Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Education Department and Delhi Jal Board, to ensure proper arrangement of water and shade not only for humans but also for the helpless animals and birds. Water pots for birds and special water structures for stray animals are being made in all major parks, bus depots and school campuses.
CM Rekha Gupta says that if necessary, to protect school children from heat and sunstroke, they will be sent to their homes only after giving them ORS solution from school before vacation so that there is no risk of dehydration on the way. In case of extreme heat wave, a complete ban will be imposed on outdoor work between 12:00 pm to 03:00 pm for laborers working at construction sites. Apart from this, not only water but also caps and towels will be provided to the workers at the workplaces for protection from the sun. If necessary, availability of first aid kits and ice packs will be ensured for the workers at the workplace.
The Chief Minister said that Delhi is now moving towards Cool Roof Policy 2026. Reflective coating work on approximately 28,674 square feet has been completed on the roofs of Kashmere Gate Interstate Bus Stand, which will reduce the temperature inside the building. Apart from this, high pressure misting system will also be used to keep the bus stops cool and anti-smog guns to cool the concrete forests.
According to the Chief Minister, the health department has put more than 339 health centers on alert in all 13 districts and prepared special 5-bed cool rooms in more than 30 hospitals. In case of any emergency, citizens can contact Delhi Government’s 24×7 helpline 1077, 1070 or 112. Apart from this, 39 quick response teams and trained Asha workers have also been kept in alert mode. Arrangements for cold drinking water and ORS solution will be made at many places, especially at busy bus stops and bus terminals. It has been decided to set up water vendors etc.
Reiterating the government’s firm commitment towards power supply, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said that the demand for electricity in the capital during summer this year can create a new record. It is estimated that Delhi’s peak power demand this season will cross the 9,000 MW mark, which is much higher than last year’s peak demand of 8,442 MW. In view of this huge demand, we have given strict instructions to the power companies that cut in supply will not be tolerated.
According to the Chief Minister, special priority protocol has been implemented to ensure 24×7 uninterrupted power at critical locations like hospitals, water treatment plants (WTP) and mobile towers. Power companies have also been directed to deploy additional Quick Response Teams and mobile transformers to resolve transformer and technical faults so that supply can be restored immediately in case of any emergency.
–IANS
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