Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu has reviewed relief operations and preventive measures being undertaken in view of the prevailing heatwave conditions in the national capital.
At a review meeting held on Wednesday, the L-G underlined the need for special focus on providing support and relief to vulnerable sections of society, especially those compelled to venture outdoors during peak heat hours due to livelihood concerns.
He also emphasised that adequate care should be extended to animals and birds during the extreme weather conditions.
The Lieutenant Governor was informed that the Revenue Department has established several dedicated Cooling Zones across eight districts at various locations to provide immediate relief and support to citizens, particularly vulnerable groups such as rickshaw pullers, labourers, daily wage workers, commuters, and others exposed to severe heat.
The L-G directed that similar cooling zones and shelters should become operational in the remaining districts of the national capital by Thursday.
Each Cooling Zone has been equipped with essential facilities, including seating arrangements for up to 100 people, cold drinking water, five desert coolers, and five high-speed fans to provide a comfortable resting environment.
Additionally, ORS packets, caps, gamchas, and first-aid kits have been made available at these centres to prevent heat-related illnesses and offer emergency medical support.
These cooling zones are functioning round the clock, with teams of civil defence volunteers deployed in shifts to ensure smooth operations and assistance to visitors.
The administration also informed the LG that Mobile Heat Relief Units have been operational since May 6 and are actively moving across all 13 districts to provide relief and essential support to citizens.
As part of these relief efforts, approximately 1,35,269 litres of drinking water have been distributed among the public to help prevent dehydration.
Officials stated that the Mobile Heat Relief Units have played a vital role in assisting daily wage workers, commuters, homeless individuals, and other vulnerable sections of society, and will continue operations until July.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is also managing provisions such as water pots for birds, emergency canvas shades, and the distribution of ORS packets and drinking water at major intersections and high-transit areas near municipal parks.
A formal Draft Cool Roof Policy has been circulated among all administrative departments. In addition, 13 vulnerable JJ clusters — one in each district — have been identified for immediate implementation of heat mitigation measures.
The L-G noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the relief operations and has stressed that there should be no laxity in ensuring adequate relief and assistance to the public.