New Delhi, May 9
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday announced that a special cooling zone has been established near the Jama Masjid Metro Station in the Old Delhi area to provide comfort and relief to the general public, an official said.
Chief Minister Gupta said the Delhi government is effectively implementing its Heatwave Action Plan with utmost seriousness, in view of the continuously rising temperatures and prevailing heatwave conditions.
She said the initiative of the Old Delhi District administration is a part of the government's objective to not merely put arrangements in place, but to deliver tangible relief directly to the people.
She noted that markets, religious sites and tourist hubs witness heavy footfall during the summer months, making densely populated areas like Old Delhi particularly vulnerable during extreme heat.
Keeping this in mind, the cooling zone has been created as a permanent relief facility, separate from the mobile heat relief vehicles already operating in the city.
The facility allows around 70 to 80 people to sit and rest at a time, offering much-needed respite to commuters, tourists, rickshaw pullers, labourers, senior citizens and passersby affected by the scorching heat, said a statement.
The Chief Minister said continuous access to cold drinking water has been arranged through water coolers at the site.
In addition, ORS-mixed water is being provided to help people stay hydrated and avoid heatstroke and dehydration, the statement said.
"Our priority is to ensure that no one suffers discomfort during this difficult summer period," the Chief Minister said, adding that officials have been instructed to identify other high-footfall areas across the capital where similar relief facilities can be established.
She said the Delhi government is working on a multi-layered strategy to address the heatwave.
This includes relief measures across districts, improved access to drinking water, public awareness campaigns, and special arrangements in sensitive areas, she said.
With temperatures expected to rise further in the coming days, all concerned departments have been directed to remain on alert, she said.
The Chief Minister also appealed to residents to take necessary precautions during the peak afternoon hours, drink sufficient water, and make use of the relief facilities provided by the government wherever required.
- IANS
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