India, April 28 -- With rising temperatures across the national capital, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday announced a series of measures under the Heat Wave Action Plan, stating that the government is fully prepared to minimise public hardship during extreme heat conditions. Addressing the media at the Delhi Secretariat, the Chief Minister said, "The government is working with full preparedness at every level under the Heat Wave Action Plan. Clear guidelines have been issued to all departments to ensure that people face minimum inconvenience during the severe heat." Highlighting key interventions, she said cold drinking water will be made available in all DTC buses through cold boxes to provide immediate relief to commuters. "Arrangements for cold drinking water will be made in all DTC buses so that passengers can access it whenever required during travel," she said. Additionally, water counters near bus shelters will distribute free cold water and ORS solutions. Also Read - Delhi records season's first warm night; respite likely with rain forecast Focusing on worker safety, Gupta directed employers to provide mandatory rest to labourers during peak heat hours. "Employers have been directed to ensure that workers are given rest between 1 pm and 4 pm and are not required to work under direct sunlight," she said, adding that provision of water, shade, and basic facilities will also be the responsibil ity of employers. On school safety, the Chief Minister stressed that "the safety of children is the top priority," directing schools to ensure drinking water, functional fans, and protection from heat. She further said, "Every child must be given ORS solution before leaving school so that they get relief while returning home." Also Read - Delhi schools introduce hydration breaks, suspend outdoor activities The Chief Minister said all departments have been instructed to strictly implement these measures. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi and PWD have also been asked to safeguard sanitation and construction workers and halt work during peak hours. Reassuring citizens on healthcare readiness, Gupta said hospitals are fully equipped. "Adequate arrangements of medicines and essential facilities have been made in all hospitals to deal with any emergency situation," she said. She added that fire, power, and water departments are on alert to ensure uninterrupted services. "The government is fully prepared to deal with the heat wave, and our effort is to ensure that the people of Delhi face minimum difficulty during this summer season," she said.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.