Delhi Government's Heat Action Initiative: 3000 Water ATMs and Cooling Shelters
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Synopsis
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has launched the Heat Action Plan (2025), proposing 3,000 water ATMs to alleviate the impact of extreme heat. The initiative also involves setting up cooling shelters and deploying Aapda Mitras to assist affected citizens.
Key Takeaways
- 3,000 water ATMs to be installed across Delhi.
- Involvement of 1,800 Aapda Mitras for disaster response.
- Establishment of shaded cooling shelters.
- Continuous public heat alerts via SMS and social media.
- Collaboration with private sector for CSR support.
New Delhi, April 21 (NationPress) Activating the disaster management machinery and proposing 3,000 cold water ATMs, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday unveiled the Heat Action Plan (2025), promising to collectively offer respite to people in sweltering heat.
Apart from involving 1,800 National and Delhi Disaster Response volunteers or ‘Aapda Mitras’, the plan talks of setting up shaded, cooling shelters, opening 3,000-4,000 large water RO units attached to boundary walls of Delhi government schools and office buildings to dispense cold water round-the-clock for five lakh citizens.
It also proposes setting up 3,000 water ATMs for the public on PWD roads -- near bus stops and traffic intersections.
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated that the national capital’s seasons are often associated with civic woes -- water shortage in summer, pollution in winter, and waterlogging in monsoon -- but her government would ensure citizens can enjoy every season without trouble.
Repeating her government’s commitment to offer relief to heat-struck people, CM Gupta said 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 the rural belt.
“We will also seek help from private entities under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives,” she said.
The Chief Minister mentioned that the Delhi government will regularly issue heat alerts through SMS and social media for the public to take precautions.
Besides special heatwave wards in hospitals, Aapda Mitras will also be deputed for anti-heat actions in slums.
“Every life is precious for the nation and the city, and we are committed to saving it,” she said, suggesting measures to help even animals.
Earlier, PWD Minister Parvesh Verma asserted that the Delhi government is going to prove its commitment to public welfare through its actions and not just announcements.
He stated that the Delhi government has already launched GPS-linked water tankers to meet the summer crisis and initiated the introduction of new heat-resistant, cool roofs for government buildings, and the experiment will be expanded gradually.
