HeatwaveRelief – Delhi Expands Cooling Support Across All Districts

HeatwaveRelief –  The Delhi government has intensified its heat relief efforts across the capital as temperatures continue to remain extremely high. Through a network of mobile relief vans and specially arranged cooling centres, lakhs of residents, including daily wage workers, travellers, and vulnerable citizens, have received assistance during the ongoing heatwave.

Relief Measures Reach Thousands Across Delhi

Officials said the initiative has been implemented in all 13 districts of the national capital under the supervision of the revenue department. Between May 6 and May 23, nearly 2.65 lakh people benefited from the government’s emergency heat support programme.

The administration has deployed mobile heat relief units at several public locations where people are exposed to direct sunlight for long hours. These units are providing drinking water, oral rehydration supplies, and temporary shelter to reduce the impact of severe heat conditions.

Large-Scale Distribution of Essential Supplies

According to government figures, around 1,13,900 litres of chilled drinking water were supplied during the period to help residents avoid dehydration. Authorities also distributed more than one lakh ORS packets to people working or travelling outdoors in extreme temperatures.

Apart from hydration support, the government arranged protective items to shield people from direct sun exposure. A total of 44,646 cotton towels and 30,864 caps were handed out across different districts as part of the relief operation.

Officials stated that the distribution drive was especially focused on labourers, street vendors, commuters, and economically weaker sections who are more vulnerable during prolonged heatwaves.

Chief Minister Reviews Heatwave Preparedness

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta reviewed the ongoing arrangements on Monday and said the administration is working actively to ensure public safety during the harsh summer conditions.

She stated that the government is responding with sensitivity and continuous field-level monitoring so that residents do not suffer due to the rising temperatures. She also noted that the relief programme reflects the administration’s commitment to public welfare and humanitarian support.

According to the Chief Minister, departments have been instructed to remain alert and strengthen arrangements further if weather conditions become more severe in the coming days.

Cooling Centres Equipped for Public Convenience

The cooling centres established by the government have been designed to provide temporary relief to people facing prolonged exposure to heat. Each centre has seating arrangements capable of accommodating around 100 individuals at a time.

These spaces are functioning as rest points where visitors can sit comfortably, access clean drinking water, and recover from heat-related discomfort. Officials said the centres are strategically placed in busy public areas to maximise accessibility.

The administration has also directed district authorities to continue monitoring crowd movement and local weather conditions to ensure uninterrupted services during peak daytime temperatures.

Focus on Public Health During Extreme Weather

Health experts have repeatedly warned that prolonged exposure to high temperatures can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke, particularly among outdoor workers and elderly citizens. In response, the Delhi government has increased preventive outreach through these relief measures.

Authorities said additional support could be introduced if the heatwave continues over the coming weeks. The government is expected to keep reviewing the situation regularly while coordinating with district officials and emergency response teams.