Scorch & Strategy: Delhi’s 2025 Heat Action Plan Breaks the Sweat Cycle

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Heat Action Plan 2025 on April 21 with emphasis on extreme temperatures through measures such as 3,000 water coolers, shaded walkways, and specialized hospital wards for heatstroke patients. The plan targets high-risk groups such as outdoor workers, elderly persons, and pregnant women through pre-warning (yellow/orange/red alerts) and cooling centers.

 

Major actions

 

Cool Roof Technology: Pilot projects at Kashmere Gate, Anand Vihar, and Delhi Secretariat to counter urban heat islands.

 

Healthcare: Air-conditioned wards in AIIMS and RML hospitals with ice baths, IV fluids, and trained staff.

 

Public Relief: Water ATMs, shaded bus stops, and community radio messages to promote hydration and rest.

 

Labor Welfare: Compulsory breaks and adjusted working hours for outdoor laborers during the peak heat.

 

The plan also includes tree-planting drives and real-time monitoring of diseases through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme.

 

Sources: Business Standard, Economic Times, Indian Express