As intense heatwave continues to grip the national capital, Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has directed the authorities to expand relief measures across the city, with a special focus on people who have little choice but to work outdoors despite soaring temperatures.
Reviewing heatwave preparedness and relief operations on Wednesday evening, L-G Sandhu stressed the need to prioritise support for vulnerable groups, including labourers, daily-wage workers, rickshaws-pullers and commuters exposed to extreme heat. He also directed officials to ensure care for animals and birds affected by the harsh weather conditions.
Officials informed the meeting that dedicated cooling zones have been set up across eight districts to provide immediate respite from the heat. Equipped with seating arrangements, cold drinking water, desert coolers, high-speed fans, ORS packets, caps, gamchas and first-aid kits, the facilities are operating round the clock with civil defence volunteers deployed for assistance.
Sandhu directed that similar cooling zones be made operational in the remaining five districts without delay.
Alongside these shelters, mobile heat relief units have been operating across all 13 districts since May 6, targeting areas with heavy footfall such as labour chowks, markets and shopping centres. According to officials, the initiative has served more than 3.33 lakh people so far.
The authorities said over 1.35 lakh litres of drinking water and nearly 1.40 lakh ORS packets have been distributed through mobile units. More than 55,000 gamchas and 52,000 caps have also been provided to help residents cope with the extreme weather.
The relief effort has extended beyond human populations. The Delhi Development Authority has designated 733 public parks as cooling spaces and is using natural water bodies in 98 parks to help mitigate ambient heat. Installation of 100 additional water coolers is also underway.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has arranged bird water pots, emergency shade structures and hydration support at key transit locations, while the New Delhi Municipal Council has put in place water and shelter facilities for birds, stray animals and pedestrians in areas, including Connaught Place, Lodhi Garden and Talkatora.
Officials also outlined a series of preventive measures aimed at reducing heat-related risks. Schools have been directed to implement an hourly bell-reminder system encouraging students to drink water and consume ORS. A cool roof project has been completed at the ISBT Kashmiri Gate, while a draft cool roof policy has been circulated among government departments. Thirteen vulnerable JJ clusters, one in each district, have also been identified for immediate expansion of heat mitigation measures.
As part of a wider awareness drive, heatwave advisories and safety instructions are being displayed at government offices, Metro stations, buses and interstate bus terminals. The authorities have also decided to establish 100 hydration points at high-footfall Metro stations, market areas and bus stands, equipped with drinking water, ORS and first-aid facilities.
Sandhu emphasised that there could be no laxity in relief efforts and urged residents to avoid venturing out during peak heat hours unless necessary. He also directed the authorities to ensure adequate support for police personnel, relief workers and civil defence volunteers who continue to perform duties outdoors in extreme heat conditions.
