Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday unveiled the Heat Action Plan 2025, activating the disaster management machinery and proposing 3,000 cold water ATMs as part of collective measures to offer relief from the sweltering heat.
In addition to deploying 1,800 National and Delhi Disaster Response volunteers — known as ‘Aapda Mitras’ — the plan includes the establishment of shaded cooling shelters and the installation of 3,000–4,000 large RO water units attached to the boundary walls of Delhi government schools and office buildings. These will dispense cold water round-the-clock, benefiting approximately five lakh citizens.
The plan also proposes installing 3,000 water ATMs on Public Works Department (PWD) roads — particularly near bus stops and traffic intersections — to provide easy public access to drinking water.
Gupta said that the national capital’s seasons are often linked to civic challenges — water shortages in summer, pollution in winter, and waterlogging during monsoon — but her government aims to ensure that citizens can enjoy every season without difficulty.
Reiterating her government’s commitment to heatwave relief, CM Gupta said that under the Heat Action Plan, 3,000 water coolers or ATMs would be installed — 1,000 on public roads, 1,000 in government buildings, and 1,000 in rural areas.
“We will also seek support from private entities through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives,” she added.
The Chief Minister said that the Delhi government will issue regular heat alerts via SMS and social media to help the public take timely precautions.
In addition to creating special heatwave wards in hospitals, Aapda Mitras will be deployed to carry out heat-relief activities in slum areas.
“Every life is precious — for both the city and the nation — and we are committed to protecting it,” she emphasized, also suggesting steps to help animals cope with the heat.
Earlier, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma said that the Delhi government is determined to prove its commitment to public welfare through action, not just announcements.
He noted that the government has already launched GPS-linked water tankers to address the summer water crisis and begun introducing heat-resistant, cool roofing for government buildings — a pilot initiative that will be expanded gradually.
IANS
