Delhi CM Rekha Gupta monitors implementation of Heat Wave Action Plan

New Delhi, April 26 (IANS) With temperatures soaring, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday directed officials to strictly implement the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 on the ground, especially at the mapped "thermal hotspots".

After a detailed review, she said the Delhi government's approach this year is more scientific and robust than in previous years.

She added the plan places special emphasis on protecting vulnerable groups such as school children and construction workers, while also extending support to animals and birds by ensuring access to water.

Dedicated teams are being deployed to respond to heatwave-related emergencies, the Chief Minister said.

Highlighting the growing severity of heat conditions, Chief Minister Gupta pointed out a worrying trend that Delhi has seen temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius for nearly 40 consecutive days over the past two to three years.

She said that, this year the Delhi government has carried out a detailed scientific assessment of the entire city using satellite data to identify high-risk zones.

Among the most sensitive areas is Ayanagar in South Delhi, which has previously recorded temperatures as high as 45.5 degrees Celsius, Najafgarh (43.7 degrees Celsius in 2025) and Safdarjung (46.8 degrees Celsius in 2023) have also seen extreme high temperatures.

"Other emerging thermal hotspots include Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, Khayala, Shastri Park, Vishwas Nagar, Harkesh Nagar, Hari Nagar and Delhi Gate," the Chief Minister added.

In addition, densely populated fringe areas such as Sawda, Mubarakpur Dabas, Bhalswa, Nand Nagri, Gokulpuri and Bakkarwala are experiencing pronounced 'heat island' effects.

"Special protection measures have been designed for these zones, including increased ORS stock at health centres, deployment of Quick Response Teams, and additional water tankers," she said.

In a directive, the Chief Minister asked departments particularly the Delhi Development Authority, the Education Department and the Delhi Jal Board to ensure water and shade not just for people but also for animals and birds.

Water containers for birds and dedicated water points for stray animals are being installed across parks, bus depots and school campuses.

To protect school children, the Delhi government may administer an ORS solution before they leave school, if required, to reduce the risk of dehydration during their commute.

"For construction workers, strict measures will be enforced during peak heat hours. Outdoor work may be halted between 12 noon and 3 p.m. during severe heatwave conditions," Chief Minister Gupta said.

"Workers will also be provided with drinking water, caps and Gamchas coverings for protection against the sun. First-aid kits and ice packs will be made available at worksites when needed."

She said Delhi is also moving towards a 'Cool Roof Policy 2026'.

Reflective coating has already been applied over nearly 28,674 square feet at the Kashmere Gate ISBT, helping reduce indoor temperatures.

"To further combat 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 Chief Minister added.

She said the Health Department has placed more than 339 health centres across all 13 districts on alert.

"More than 30 hospitals have set up dedicated five-bed 'cool rooms' for heatwave patients. Residents can seek help through the 24x7 helpline numbers -- 1077, 1070 or 112."

"Additionally, 39 Quick Response Teams and trained ASHA workers are on standby. Arrangements for cold drinking water and ORS will be made at busy public locations, including bus stops and terminals," the Chief Minister added.

Reiterating the state government's firm commitment regarding power supply, Chief Minister Gupta said that Delhi's peak power demand is likely to exceed the 9,000 MW mark this season, a figure significantly higher than last year's maximum demand of 8,442 MW.

"In light of this massive demand,