Delhi govt works on new roadmap to tackle heatwaves

As Delhi grapples with increasingly severe and prolonged summers, the city government is formulating a comprehensive long-term strategy to mitigate the impact of extreme heat on residents. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has directed all government agencies, including the civic body and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), to collaborate on the new plan, which emphasizes systemic changes to urban planning and infrastructure for long-term resilience, reported TOI.

The strategy will include issuing targeted heat alerts, mapping high-risk areas, and integrating emergency response measures into the City Development Plan. A key component of the proposal involves strengthening building standards to better withstand extreme temperatures.

"New infrastructure will be required to incorporate passive ventilation systems, cool roof technologies, and be designed to maximise thermal comfort," a senior official told TOI. The government has asked local bodies and land-owning agencies like DDA to incorporate the latest technologies in its plan, said a senior official.


What is govt planning to do?
Retrofitting existing structures, especially in heat-prone areas, will also be prioritised. Revised building bye-laws mandating these changes are expected soon. To protect the urban poor, Delhi govt plans to identify areas for shelters and shaded spaces across the city, particularly in slum settlements and densely populated zones. "Providing safe spaces where people can take shelter from the heat is crucial," the official added.

"Delhi needs systemic changes backed by research and community participation," the official said.

Additionally, over 1.4 million students in more than 5,500 schools will be trained in heatwave preparedness.

Although there was no heatwave on Saturday, Delhi recorded its hottest April day in three years, with the maximum temperature rising to 42.1 degrees Celsius — three degrees above normal — at the Safdarjung base station. On Friday, the maximum temperature had reached 41.7 degrees Celsius.

After a sunny day, the skies turned cloudy on Saturday evening, accompanied by strong winds.