Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta convened a significant review meeting on April 24, at the Secretariat to assess the preparedness under the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026. This meeting aimed to strengthen response measures as temperatures rise and heatwave conditions become increasingly severe. Gupta emphasised the government’s commitment to bring heatwave-related fatalities to zero by the year 2030, issuing directives to all departments to implement effective strategies.

Among attendees were Chief Secretary Rajiv Verma and senior officials from various relevant departments. The Chief Minister mandated that hospitals ensure they have adequate bed capacity for heat-related cases and that all ambulances are properly equipped to manage heat emergencies.

Gupta further emphasised the need for a comprehensive awareness campaign throughout the city. She instructed schools to adopt a ‘water bell’ system to encourage students to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration during extreme heat events.

Water and Health Infrastructure Enhancements

In her directives, CM Gupta called for the availability of clean drinking water across multiple public and institutional locations, including hospitals, schools, construction sites, Atal canteens, police stations, post offices, and DTC bus stands. She highlighted that oral rehydration solution (ORS) must be easily accessible in all major public areas.

The Chief Minister insisted on the operation of water tankers, water coolers, and water ATMs throughout the city. Furthermore, she stressed the necessity of creating adequate arrangements for shade and drinking water for animals and birds amid rising temperatures.

The Heat Action Plan 2026 is being executed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), with collaborative efforts among more than 17 knowledge partners, including non-governmental organisations. This initiative aims to ensure a scientifically sound and well-integrated response to rising temperatures.

Response Measures and Public Health Initiatives

Gupta noted the alarming trend of extreme temperatures recorded in Delhi, mentioning that the mercury had reached 43.7°C in 2025 and remained above 40°C for nearly 40 days in recent years. In response to these conditions, a comprehensive framework, informed by scientific data, has been established.

The India Meteorological Department’s colour-coded alert system, featuring green, yellow, orange, and red levels, is being employed for ongoing monitoring of weather conditions. Real-time alerts are disseminated to both government departments and the public to enhance preparedness.

On the health front, more than 339 health centres throughout Delhi are now equipped with necessary supplies, including ORS and ice packs, to treat heat-related illnesses. Additionally, over 30 hospitals have created dedicated ‘cool rooms’ for managing heatstroke cases. Training for 174 medical officers and ASHA workers has also been conducted to improve response capabilities.

The Delhi Police have installed over 11,000 air coolers and more than 1,900 water coolers in public areas. Traffic police are actively distributing ORS packets, a programme that is set to expand in the coming days, as part of efforts to mitigate the impact of the heatwave.

Gupta has placed particular emphasis on the welfare of construction workers and other vulnerable groups. Employers are expected to modify working hours to minimise exposure during peak afternoon heat, while mandating that shaded areas, rest breaks, drinking water, and ORS are available at worksites to protect workers.

In conclusion, the Chief Minister instructed all departments to ensure the effective implementation of the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026, aiming to safeguard Delhi residents from the severe consequences of the ongoing heatwave.

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