Abhinav RajputNew Delhi: Delhi govt has carried out a scientific heat assessment of the city using satellite data to identify high-risk thermal hotspots at a time when the maximum temperature has exceeded 40°C for nearly 40 consecutive days in the past two to three years.The assessment has found that among the most sensitive areas is Ayanagar in south Delhi, where temperature often shoots past 45°C in summer. Najafgarh (43.7°C in 2025) and Safdarjung (46.8°C in 2023) have also seen extreme highs.Among the emerging thermal hotspots are Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, Khayala, Shastri Park, Vishwas Nagar, Harkesh Nagar, Hari Nagar and Delhi Gate.In addition, densely populated fringe areas such as Sawda, Mubarakpur Dabas, Bhalswa, Nand Nagri, Gokulpuri and Bakkarwala are experiencing a pronounced ‘heat island’ effect.Based on the findings, protection measures have been designed for these zones, including increased ORS stock at health centres, deployment of quick response teams, and additional water tankers.With heatwave conditions intensifying, Delhi government, under its Heat Wave Action Plan, 2026, has asked departments to step up on-ground implementation with a sharper, science-backed approach.Chief minister Rekha Gupta, after reviewing preparedness, said the strategy this year focuses on targeted interventions in thermal hotspots and among vulnerable populations.Officials said teams are being deployed, while departments have been instructed to ensure coordination at multiple levels. The plan prioritizes children, outdoor workers and animals.Authorities have expanded measures beyond human safety to include animals and birds, CMO said.“Departments have been asked to install water containers in public spaces such as parks, bus depots and school premises. Water points are being created for stray animals,” it added.For schoolchildren, contingency steps include administering ORS before dispersal if conditions worsen. Construction workers and other outdoor laborers are set to get protective gear such as caps and gamchas, along with access to drinking water.Work at construction sites may be halted between noon and 3 pm on peak heatwave days, officials said, adding that first-aid kits and ice packs will also be available.Infrastructure-level interventions are also under way. Govt is pushing forward a cool roof policy, with reflective coatings already applied at select locations to lower indoor temperatures. High-pressure misting systems are planned at bus stops, while anti-smog guns will be deployed in densely built areas to bring down ambient temperatures.Power demand is expected to surge sharply, with projections indicating it could cross 9,000 MW this summer. Govt has directed distribution companies to ensure uninterrupted supply, especially to critical facilities such as hospitals and water treatment plants.
