Delhi’s inaugural Heat Action Plan (HAP) includes adjusting school hours, curtailing non-essential water usage, ensuring continuous power supply to healthcare facilities, and conducting daily assessments of at-risk areas. These measures aim to counter the effects of intense heat on vulnerable communities during peak summer months.
Formulated by the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) and presented to the central authorities last month, the strategy encompasses several initiatives. Among these is a forthcoming pilot scheme to apply white paint to rooftops in identified zones, aimed at enhancing indoor cooling.
Initiated in September of the previous year following a meeting convened by Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, the development of Delhi’s inaugural HAP received input and suggestions from the National Institute of Disaster Management (NDMA).
The HAP, now forwarded to the NDMA, will undergo yearly updates. Oversight of its execution will fall under the responsibility of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate at DDMA, designated as the nodal officer.