India: Delhi government unveils its Heat Action Plan (HAP) 2025

This April, northern India – including in the capital, New Delhi – has experienced extreme temperatures above 40°C, with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasting intense heatwaves this summer.

Amid soaring temperatures, the Government of Delhi launched the Delhi Heat Action Plan (HAP) 2025 on 21 April 2025. The initiative aims to safeguard the population, especially the most vulnerable, from the health impacts of extreme heat.

 

The Delhi HAP 2025 includes the following measures:

• Heat alert system: A city-wide early warning system developed with IMD to issue graded alerts (yellow, orange, red) ahead of extreme heat days.
• Dedicated hospital wards: Special air-conditioned units will be set up in hospitals to treat heatstroke and dehydration cases.
• Focus on vulnerable groups: Targeted interventions for the elderly, children, pregnant women, persons with disabilities and outdoor workers.
• Public awareness campaigns: Hoardings, street plays, community radio and mic announcements to educate citizens on heat safety practices.
• Labour welfare measures: Employers advised to reschedule outdoor work during peak hours and provide water, shade and rest facilities.
• Urban cooling initiatives: Installing cool roofs to regulate indoor temperatures in urban heat hotspots. The plan also proposes increasing green cover and tree plantation to reduce heat retention in city spaces.
• Community participation: Involvement of resident welfare associations (RWAs), schools, Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and NGOs in executing the plan at local levels.
• Data tracking: Heat-related illnesses and fatalities to be monitored under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) for timely intervention.

 

 

Sources

https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/delhi-heat-action-plan-2025-summer-heatwave-cm-rekha-gupta-government-125042101172_1.html