Latest news with #HeatActionPlan2025
India Gazette
18-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Delhi government's Jaldoot scheme: To deploy water ambassadors at bus stops, to install water coolers
ANI 18 May 2025, 20:01 GMT+10 New Delhi [India], May 18 (ANI): To provide relief from the rising temperatures, the Delhi government is preparing to deploy water ambassadors at bus stops across the city under Delhi Jaldoot scheme. There are approximately 1,525 bus stops in the state that will from now have the facility of water Ambassadors under the Jaldoot scheme. The government plans to make this water-service available at the bus stops in the national capital so that people can get respite from the heat. Each Water Ambassador will carry a large container to store water and distribute drinking water to passersby. The aim is to provide people with clean drinking water in rising mercury. This step comes as part of government's summer action plan. In addition to the Water Ambassador scheme, there is also a plan to install water coolers. As a pilot project, e-tenders are being issued to install water coolers at 25 selected locations. Moreover, water arrangements will also be made at 25 bus depots. To fight the scorching heat, the Delhi government in the month of April launched its Heat Action Plan 2025. The focus of the plan is not just on emergency responses but also on relief measures like installing water coolers, cooling shelters, shading structures, dedicated hospital wards, etc. (ANI)
The Print
24-04-2025
- Climate
- The Print
What Delhi govt's 2025 Heat Action Plan promises & what it misses
Experts welcomed an early implementation of the plan, but stressed the need for year-long solutions to build heat-resilient infrastructure. Short-term measures like installing water coolers, limiting outdoor work hours during the day, and setting up shelters are just temporary fixes, said Abhiyant Tiwari, lead, climate resilience and health at Natural Resources Defense Council. He contributed to the heat action plans for Ahmedabad and Jodhpur. 'Our preparedness is going to be the strongest,' said Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta Wednesday in a written statement. 'From roads to rooftops, we are working to ensure no citizen suffers because of the heat.' New Delhi: With temperatures already soaring and the National Capital bracing for extreme heat this summer, the Delhi government has rolled out its Heat Action Plan, 2025. 'There is evidence that countries that had a functional early warning system or some form of disaster management plan saw at least eight times fewer disaster-related fatalities than those that didn't,' he said. ThePrint explains the kind of interventions the newly sworn-in BJP government has planned for the Capital's residents under its first heat action plan, how these are different from the plans of its predecessors, and the impacts it is likely to have. Also Read: Ganga basin hits 23-year low as Himalayan region spirals into 3rd year of shrinking snowfall What does the 2025 heat action plan promise? Delhi's Heat Action Plan 2025 promises to install nearly 3,000 water coolers, cooling shelters on the roads, shaded areas on footpaths, and green roofs. The agencies will also focus on providing residents with regular temperature updates and health advisories. 'We are partnering with central agencies, including the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), to implement this plan more effectively this season,' Delhi CM said. The action has also roped in the city's hospitals, setting up heatwave wards and earmarking a dedicated team to handle heat-related ailments during the peak season. Over 1,000 Aapda Mitras, trained disaster response volunteers, will also be recruited across the city in the coming weeks. Reacting to these measures, Aditya Valiathan Pillai, a visiting fellow at sustainability think tank Sustainable Futures Collaborative (SFC), emphasised the need to look at long-term solutions. 'Temperatures are progressively becoming warmer, and it will get worse. We need to come up with solutions that will help shape our cities for such a future. Emergency solutions alone, will not do much,' he said. Warmer days ahead Delhi has already started recording high temperatures, with the maximum readings breaching the 40-degree Celsius (°C) mark. On Wednesday, the maximum temperature recorded at Delhi's Safdarjung observatory was 39.6°C. The mercury rose to 39.9°C a day before this, over two notches higher than what is considered normal for this time of the year. Delhi has already recorded its first spell of heatwave this season—April 7 to 9. Forecasts have also predicted another spell between 25-26 April. The IMD uses a two-pronged approach to define heatwaves. First, they look at regional temperature increases. When temperatures in the plains exceed 40°C or 30°C in the hills, and this rise is more than 4.5°C above the normal range, a heatwave is declared. A 'severe heatwave' is when the temperature departure jumps to over 6.4°C. The IMD also considers absolute values. If the mercury rockets to 45°C or higher, regardless of the usual highs, it's classified as a heatwave, and, when the thermometer reads 47°C or more, it meets the criteria for a severe heatwave. Heatwave action in other states While the BJP is touting its heat action plan as the first to be implemented in the Capital, the previous AAP government implemented its versions of the plan. However, the interventions lacked integration. An assessment of the heat action plans in various cities by SFC said that Delhi's Heat Action Plan 2024, parts of which are similar to the 2025 plan, was only focused on short-term emergency interventions like increasing the availability of water in public spaces and increasing the capacity in hospitals right before and during the heat spells. The report, titled 'Is India Ready for a Warming World? How Heat Resilience Measures Are Being Implemented for 11% of India's Urban Population in Some of Its Most At-Risk Cities' was published on the SFC website on 19 March 2025. 'Many important long-term actions are entirely absent, such as making household or occupational cooling available to the most heat-exposed, developing insurance cover for lost work, and electricity grid retrofits to improve transmission reliability and distribution safety, expanding fire management services for heat waves,' the report read. Leading by example, Ahmedabad and Jodhpur HAPs lay out short- and long-term interventions for government agencies to follow. In these cities, short-term actions like identifying vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, elderly, and children, and providing them with safe shelters before heatwaves strike, are integrated with larger-scale government planning and infrastructure adjustments to address the long-term impacts of climate change. Examples include building heat-resistant buildings, implementing cooling roofs, developing heat warnings for farmers, and adopting climate-resilient agricultural practices. 'Delhi needs these solutions to ensure that these seasonal spells can be effectively handled,' Tiwari said. (Edited by Sanya Mathur) Also Read: Quake or fake? Science frowns as India's earthquake prophets cause stir with cat & cardboard theories
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority's heat wave action plan aims to reduce adverse impacts of extreme heat
Vijayawada: The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has unveiled the Heat Wave Action Plan 2025 , outlining measures to tackle extreme temperatures in the state. The plan proposes activating cooling centers such as public buildings, malls, temples, and schools, as well as temporary night shelters for those without housing or access to water and electricity. Additionally, the plan suggests expanding access to shaded areas for outdoor workers, slum communities, and other vulnerable sections of the population. Electronic scrolling boards will be set up to display temperature and forecasts at junctions and public places, and working hours under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) will be rescheduled to avoid intense heat. The plan also recommends ensuring the availability of shade, drinking water, and ORS packets at bus stands and auto stands. The APSDMA has prepared the Heat Action Plan 2025 with short, medium, and long-term goals and strategies to provide a framework for implementing, coordinating, and evaluating extreme heat response activities. The plan will be implemented in three phases: pre-heatwave season (January to February), heatwave season (March to July), and post-heatwave season (August to December). Key components include monitoring climate conditions, identifying vulnerable populations, and building capacity among healthcare professionals to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses . The APSDMA has emphasized the need for a coordinated multi-agency approach to manage heat waves, moving beyond operational-level management to a strategic level with clear roles and responsibilities. At present, the problem of heat waves is being managed at an operational level, but needs to be managed at a strategic level with clear roles and responsibilities in managing heat waves.
Hindustan Times
22-04-2025
- Climate
- Hindustan Times
Delhi unveils its first heat action plan
As the capital braces for a scorching summer, Delhi 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, heatwave wards in hospitals, and the installation of 3,000 water coolers across the city. Framed by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority, 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 at the Delhi Secretariat 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. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast maximum temperatures to touch 40–42°C by Wednesday, with minimums hovering around 24–26°C. CM 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. Bus stops will be redesigned to shield waiting passengers from the sun. Structures providing shade will be constructed along footpaths, and public spaces like bus terminals and railway stations will be equipped with cold water dispensers and shaded waiting areas. Hospitals across Delhi are preparing special heatwave wards fitted with cooling systems, ORS, and trained staff. In low-income neighbourhoods and slums, assistance centres, water stations, and shaded areas are being set up. 'Government and private buildings will adopt cool roof and green roof technologies. Over 1.4 million students in more than 5,500 schools across Delhi will be trained on heatwave preparedness. Heatwave wards are being developed in hospitals, and cold water facilities are being ensured at public places. This is not merely a government scheme, but a people's movement requiring citizen participation,' CM Gupta said at the event. Schools and community engagement A major highlight of the plan is its focus on heatwave preparedness in schools. Over 1.4 million students in 5,500 government and private schools will be trained in disaster management and heat protection. A 'water bell' initiative will be introduced, encouraging children to stay hydrated during school hours. The government has also trained 1,800 'Aapda Mitras' — disaster response volunteers — to assist in implementing the plan across districts. At the launch, CM Gupta called them 'the living symbol of vigilance and service spirit', and said they would act as 'frontline warriors' of the initiative. Technology and innovation Delhi has introduced 'cool roof technology' at ISBTs in Anand Vihar and Kashmere Gate, where rooftops are being painted white to reflect heat and reduce indoor temperatures. A digital cold water dispenser was inaugurated at the Secretariat, displaying real-time water quality data and heatwave-related information. The CM noted that advanced heatwave alerts will be disseminated regularly and that departments are working in close coordination to ensure timely action. A plan for animals too In a compassionate touch, the plan also includes provisions for animals and birds. 'Our culture teaches us compassion for all living beings — birds, cows, stray animals. We will ensure they have access to drinking water, shade, and protection from the heat,' Gupta said. The blueprint draws on global best practices, district-level vulnerability mapping, and consultations with partners such as UNEP and UNICEF. Officials say the multi-departmental strategy marks a decisive step towards preparing Delhi for the growing threat of extreme weather. 'This is not just a battle against the heat,' said CM Gupta, 'it is a commitment to safeguard lives, livelihoods, and every drop of water for every citizen.'
Hans India
21-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Ayushman health cards for Delhi citizens over 70 years to be launched on April 28: Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh
Delhi Health Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said on Monday that Ayushman Health cards for six lakh citizens above 70 years will be launched on April 28. "With around 30 lakh people belonging to more than 6.5 lakh families and an estimated six lakh senior citizens, about 36 lakh people in Delhi will be benefitted by the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme," said an official. Elaborating on Delhi government's Heat Action Plan 2025 launched by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, the Health Minister said all special heatstroke wards will be set up in government hospitals. Hospitals have been put on alert to deal with cases of heat stroke and air-conditioned Centralised Accidents and Trauma Services (CATS) are ready to offer assistance to people who may need hospitalisation, he added. Talking to media persons, the Minister said that patient facilities in hospitals have also been upgraded so that they get cold water to drink and air-conditioned zones for waiting. Earlier, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said that with the implementation of AB PM-JAY in Delhi, all senior citizens aged 70 years and above, irrespective of their socio-economic status, will be covered under Ayushman Vay Vandana Yojana which provides Rs 5 lakh free health cover to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above irrespective of their socio-economic status. This will provide health cover to all eligible senior citizens where all pre-existing diseases will be covered from day one. "It is estimated that more than six lakh senior citizens in Delhi belonging to nearly 4.5 lakh families will be benefited," he said. Talking about the Heat Action Plan, Delhi Minister Pankaj Singh said the state government has launched several important brochures, including detailed information related to heatstroke management units, CATs infrastructure, and disaster-ready schools. He added that the government's goal is for every school and hospital in Delhi to be fully prepared to face heatwaves. "Through awareness, training, and necessary resources, we will ensure the safety of every citizen's life," he said. Pankaj Singh added that the Heat Action Plan 2025 has been prepared in consultation with National and Delhi Disaster Management Authorities. Under this initiative, 3,000 water coolers to be installed across the city and cooling shades will be built on footpaths to provide pedestrians relief from the sun, he said. He added that the Delhi government would ensure strong preventive measures from slums to hospitals. The Health Minister said that more than 1.4 million students in 5,500-plus Delhi schools will be made aware and trained on disaster management and heatwave protection.
