Delhi government tightens heat wave action plan amid rising temperatures | India News
New Delhi: With temperatures rising and heat wave conditions intensifying, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday directed officials to strictly implement the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 on the ground. Highlighting the increasing severity of heat conditions, the Chief Minister pointed out an alarming trend: Delhi has seen temperatures exceed 40 degrees Celsius for nearly 40 days in the last two to three years. This year, the government conducted a detailed scientific assessment of the entire city using satellite data to identify high-risk areas. Among the most sensitive areas is Ayanagar in South Delhi, which has previously recorded a temperature of 45.5 degrees Celsius. Najafgarh (43.7 °C in 2025) and Safdarjung (46.8 °C in 2023) also saw extreme highs. Other emerging thermal hotspots include Uzirpur, Jahangirpuri, Khayal, Shastri Park, Biswas Nagar, Harkesh Nagar, Hari Nagar and Delhi Gate. Also, densely populated marginal areas like Saoda, Mubarakpur Dabas, Valswa, Nanda Nagri, Gokulpuri and Bakkarwala are experiencing pronounced ‘heat island’ effect. Special security measures have been put in place for these areas, including increased ORS stocks at health centres, deployment of quick response teams and additional water tankers. In a landmark directive, the Chief Minister asked the departments, especially DDA, Education Department and Delhi Jal Board to ensure water and shade not only for humans but also for animals and birds. Watering containers for birds and dedicated watering points for stray animals are being installed across parks, bus depots and school campuses. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), for the protection of school children, the government can administer an ORS solution before leaving school, if necessary, to reduce the risk of dehydration during their commute. For construction workers, strict measures will be enforced during peak heat. In extreme heatwave conditions, outdoor activities may be closed between 12:00 PM and 3:00 PM. Workers will also be provided with drinking water, caps and towel covers for protection from the sun. First-aid kits and ice packs shall be made available at the workplace when required Delhi is also moving towards ‘Cool Roof Policy 2026’. Kashmir Gate ISBT already has reflective coating applied over approximately 28,674 square feet, which helps reduce indoor temperatures. To combat further heat, high-pressure misting systems will be installed at bus stops, while anti-smog guns will be used to cool densely built-up areas. The health department has alerted more than 339 health centers across all 13 districts. More than 30 hospitals have set up dedicated five-bed ‘cool rooms’ for heatwave patients. Residents can seek help through 24×7 helpline numbers 1077, 1070 or 112. Additionally, 39 quick response teams and trained ASHA personnel are on standby. Cold drinking water and ORS will be provided at busy public locations including bus stops and terminals. Reiterating the government’s firm commitment to power supply, Chief Minister Gupta said that power demand in the capital is likely to set a new record in the summer season this year. Delhi’s peak power demand is estimated to cross the 9,000 MW mark this season, significantly higher than last year’s peak of 8,442 MW. In view of this huge demand, we have issued strict instructions to the power distribution companies, making it clear that any shortfall in supply will not be tolerated. According to the Chief Minister, a special priority protocol has been implemented to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 power supply to critical facilities like hospitals, water treatment plants (WTPs) and mobile towers. Power companies have also been directed to keep additional quick response teams and mobile transformers on standby to deal with issues related to transformers and technical faults, thereby ensuring that supply can be restored immediately in case of emergency.
