Delhi Heat Action Plan

Delhi’s witnessing a scorching summer — but is the city burning because of climate change, or is it the price we’re paying for unplanned urbanisation? What is it? Stepping outside feels like You are walking on a fire — without knowing who lit the match. Schools are shutting down, power is cut down, and Vendors Dare going outside to make sure they survive in this heat. But in the city of 33 million people, what are we doing to overcome this climate crisis? This is where the Delhi Heat Action Plan is supposed to help — The question is, does it? In Delhi, Most young people have never ever even heard of it. And that’s also a part of the problem. If climate change is the biggest problem of our life, should we not respond to it? Shouldn’t at least know how our city is tackling it?

What the Delhi Heat Action Plan (HAP) requires

Delhi’s Heat Action Plan(HAP) is a safety plan to help people stay safe during extreme heat. The plan warning shares early warnings when a heatwave is coming, messages and announcements. It also takes simple steps like turning off car engines at red lights, reducing AC use, and planting more trees. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) assists by giving weather forecasts and heat alerts. It provides warnings about severe weather events such as tropical cyclones, dust storms, heavy rainfall, snowfall, cold waves, and heatwaves. It also offers real-time data and forecasts, including maximum temperature predictions and heat alerts for cities and rural areas that are especially vulnerable, based on the severity and frequency of extreme heat.

The Science Behind Urban Heat Waves

The highest ever temperature recorded in Delhi was 52.3°C — a historic first. One reason for this extreme heat is the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. This occurs when cities have too many buildings and roads, and not enough trees or green spaces. Trees help cool the air through shade and moisture, but many Indian cities lack greenery. To solve this, cities need more trees, parks, green roofs, and heat-reflective building materials to stay cooler and healthier. But there’s another factor to — climate change is making heat waves longer, more intense, and harder to escape, especially in crowded cities like Delhi.

Impact of Heat on Daily life

Heat illness is a serious challenge to public health, especially during hot weather when people are at risk of health- related issues like heatstroke, heat cramps, and dehydration. It can be done in any setting–ambulance, clinic, health centre, or hospital. First, assess the patient's airway, breathing, circulation, disability, exposure, vital signs, and temperature. If symptoms of heat are present and the patient has risk factors like extreme age, obesity, chronic diseases, or use of certain medications. Start passive cooling with wet towels, ice packs, cool showers, or fans. If the temperature is below 40°C, monitor every 5 minutes, hydrate orally if improving. If the temperature is 40°C or higher, begin IV fluids and transfer the patient to a hospital for urgent care. Beyond all heat waves, The heat also impacts infrastructure in cities. Power cuts occur more because of the requirement of AC. Sometimes, schools close due to extreme heat to protect children. In some areas, water becomes hard to get.

Who Is Most at risk During Heatwaves?

People from economically weaker sections are more affected by heat waves due to their poor living conditions. Women in these areas often bear the burden, as they not only face extreme temperatures but also handle essential tasks like fetching water. With poor housing, little ventilation, and almost no access to cooling or health services. Vulnerable groups like infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly, outdoor workers, people with chronic illnesses, and those with disabilities are at the highest risk of heat-related illness. It shows those who work in the sun face dehydration and kidney damage. Delhi’s climate data from 1905–2022 show rising temperature, with average high crossing 39°C in May and June, and rising humidity making it worse. This shows how climate change and planned cities are affected.

Comparisons with other cities

Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan launched in 2013 after a deadly heatwave in 2010. Since then, this plan has saved over 1,100 lives every year. The India Meteorological Department (IMD), National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and partners like NRDC, PHFI, and IIPH-G are working with 23 heat-prone states and 130+ cities to roll out similar plans nationwide. NGOs like Mahila Housing Trust (MHT) also participated by installing cool roofs to reduce health risks caused by extreme heat. Nagpur heatwave action plan was implemented in 2016. The HAP of Nagpur has collaborated with the other 4 regions. As a part of the HAP, mortality rates were analysed in Nagpur – identifying a threshold temperature of 43°C (109.4°F) for a heat alert day (orange) and extreme heat alert day (red) for temperatures of 45°C (113°F) or greater. They identified women and children as a vulnerable resource. Nagpur promoted its heat action plan in numerous regional areas like Gondia, Chandrapur, Nanded, and Jalgaon. Delhi can take valuable lessons from cities like Ahmedabad and Nagpur. Ahmedabad’s early warning systems, cool roofs, and public awareness have helped reduce heatwave deaths by over 1,100 each year. Nagpur model’s stand for its regional. It worked in cities and focused on vulnerable groups like women and children. Delhi can adopt such approaches by reaching people on ground, can introduce amiably solutions like cool roofs and public water points.

Weaknesses & Gaps in Delhi HAP

The Delhi Heat Plan is released in April 2025. It is struggling in execution. People are not aware of it. Many citizens don’t even know it exists. The government said it would set up 3,000 water coolers and shaded rest spots, but very few are actually available. There’s no appropriate sign showing where people can find help or water. Workers are still working out in the sun without protection. In some of Delhi, the plan is being followed, but in many areas, nothing has changed. There’s no strong system that ensures it is followed by everyone.

What Needs to Happen Next

The government should take strong steps. They should build more cooling spaces like shaded areas, water points, and green parks. Different departments like water, and health should conflate and work together, so it reaches quickly. It’s also vital that the government puts in enough money, checks and updates. This isn’t just the government’s job. Citizens and young people can help too. We can stay updated, follow heat alerts, and share them with family and friends—or spread the message in our communities. You can also talk to the leader of your area about the heat planning. If we work together, we can reduce the risk of extreme heat and build a safer Delhi.

Conclusion

Climate change is occurring— and it’s heating our cities faster than before. However , do not worry because a coin has 2 sides, One side with a problem and another side with a solution. It exists. This year, we witnessed record- breaking heat, the signs are clear. they’ve proven effective. Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan (HAP), with cool roofs, early warnings, and misting systems, has helped prevent over 1,100 deaths each year. Inspired by this, Delhi has launched this HAP, promising to provide 3,000 coolers, shaded shelters, and heatwave hospital wards. But planting plants is not enough. We need a bold move to make a vision into reality. Both the government and citizens should work together to overcome this issue.