Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday chaired an important review meeting to assess preparedness under the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026, issuing clear and time-bound directions to all departments concerned, asking them to strengthen measures at every level.
With temperatures rising steadily and heatwave conditions intensifying, Gupta said the government is on full alert and has set a clear target of bringing heatwave-related deaths down to zero by 2030.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Shri Rajiv Verma and senior officials from the concerned departments.
The CM has directed all hospitals to ensure adequate bed capacity for heat-related cases and that every ambulance is equipped with essential facilities to handle heat emergencies.
CM Gupta called for a comprehensive citywide awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive measures, while schools have been instructed to introduce a ‘water bell’ system to prompt students for drinking water at regular intervals and prevent dehydration.
Gupta has further ordered that clean drinking water be made available across hospitals, schools, construction sites, Atal canteens, police stations, post offices and DTC bus stands.
She also stated that ORS must be accessible at all major public locations, emphasising that water tankers, water coolers and water ATMs should function seamlessly across the city.
In addition, Gupta said that adequate arrangements for shade and drinking water for animals and birds must be ensured.
According to the CM, the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 is being implemented through the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), which is coordinating efforts across multiple departments in collaboration with more than 17 knowledge partners, including NGOs, to ensure a scientifically robust and well-synchronised response.
Highlighting the urgency, CM Gupta has noted that Delhi has recorded unprecedented temperatures in recent years, with the mercury touching 43.7°C in 2025 and staying above 40°C for nearly 40 days over the past two to three years.
In response, a comprehensive, science-based framework has been put in place. On the health front, more than 339 health centres across Delhi have been equipped with ORS, ice packs and related supplies, while over 30 hospitals now have dedicated ‘cool rooms’ for heatstroke management.
Additionally, 174 medical officers and ASHA workers have been trained to handle heat-related illnesses, and 330 ambulances have been kept on standby for emergency response, Gupta added.
Drinking water points, water coolers, shaded shelters, and cooling points are being set up across the city. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police have installed over 11,000 air coolers and more than 1,900 water coolers, while the traffic police are carrying out large-scale distribution of ORS packets, a drive set to be expanded in the coming days.
Placing special emphasis on the safety of construction workers and other vulnerable groups, Gupta directed that working hours be suitably modified, particularly to avoid exposure during peak afternoon heat.