Delhi Unveils Its First Heat Action Plan

As Delhi braces for a scorching summer, chief minister Rekha Gupta on Monday unveiled a sweeping 150-page Heat Action Plan 2025 — a first-of-its-kind blueprint to tackle intensifying heatwaves with the help of cooling shelters, heat-wave wards in hospitals, and the installation of 3,000 water coolers across the city.

- Alok KN Mishra

NEW DELHI:

Framed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), in line with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) guidelines, the plan aims to make the city heat-resilient through a coordinated, citizen-centric approach. The launch event was attended by cabinet ministers Parvesh Sahib Singh and Pankaj Singh, chief secretary Naresh Kumar, and senior officials.

The initiative comes as temperatures in Delhi continue to climb.

Gupta emphasised that Delhi has in recent years seen temperatures approach 50°C — posing a serious threat to public health. "This plan is not just a scheme — it is a movement. We are preparing not just with intent, but with action," she said.

Key measures

Under the plan, 1,000 water coolers will be installed along roads, 1,000 in government buildings, and another 1,000 in locations lacking water access, particularly for homeless individuals. The installation will be carried out through public-private and CSR partnerships.