Delhi LG reviews heatwave relief operations; dedicated cooling zones set up across 8 districts
New Delhi, May 29
Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu on Thursday evening reviewed the relief operations and preventive measures being undertaken in view of the prevailing heat wave in the national capital.
Apart from other officers concerned with the matter, the Divisional Commissioner was present in the meeting, the press note said.
The LG was informed that the Revenue Department, GNCTD, had established several dedicated Cooling Zones across eight districts at various locations.
Mobile Heat Relief Units (MHRU) have been deployed since May 6, 2026, and these vehicles are actively moving around to provide relief and essential support to citizens in all 13 districts, officials told the LG.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, the Delhi government has stepped up its preparations to deal with the ongoing heatwave, with Health Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh reviewing arrangements at Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) Hospital.
During his visit, the minister inspected emergency care systems, ICU facilities, medical staff preparedness, and patient management infrastructure. He said the health department and medical teams are continuously monitoring the situation to ensure that no citizen faces inconvenience due to extreme heat.
Appealing to residents, Dr. Singh urged people to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and extreme heat. He advised citizens to seek immediate medical attention if they experience symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, dehydration, fever, or heat-related illness.
He concluded by stating, "Delhi's healthcare system is fully prepared to deal with every challenge posed by the heatwave. Our priority is to ensure that no citizen faces any difficulty during this period of extreme heat."
On the other hand, to safeguard personnel braving the extreme conditions, the department launched a high-tech relief initiative, introducing AC helmets and portable fans to help officers maintain their composure and health while managing the city's busy intersections.
The cooling headgear is currently being piloted for traffic personnel stationed for long hours in direct sunlight. According to Assistant Sub-Inspector Veer Singh, the technology is a game-changer. The helmets keep officers cool and relaxed throughout their shift.
Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Traffic, Veer Singh, said, "This helmet keeps us relaxed in this weather. It can work easily for 4-5 hours, depending on the charge in its battery..."
Depending on the charge, the cooling system effectively lasts for 4-5 hours, allowing for sustained comfort during peak heat. For those managing VIP movements, the department has deployed mobile vans that act as mobile hydration and nutrition hubs, providing essential water and food to prevent exhaustion.
The initiative comes as the India Meteorological Department (IMD) issues Red and Orange alerts across multiple states, signalling a period of severe, life-threatening temperatures.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to see LG taking this seriously. But yaar, why only 8 districts? What about the outskirts where poor labourers work all day? Mobile relief units are fine but they need better coverage. Also, AC helmets for traffic police - nice idea but question is scalability.
Respect to the traffic police ji 🙏 These cooling helmets are innovative. But honestly, we need longer-term solutions. Tree plantation, better urban planning, white roofs - not just reactionary measures every summer. Still, better than nothing!
As someone who works outdoors, I can tell you these heatwaves are no joke. The government's response is better than previous years, but awareness campaigns are lacking. Many people still don't know about cooling zones. Need more public announcements in local languages.
Good initiative but let's be honest - these measures are bandaids on a bullet wound. Climate change is real and Delhi is becoming unlivable in summers. We need massive tree cover, not just mobile vans. Also, why is LNJP Hospital the only one mentioned? What about other government hospitals?
Appreciate the efforts, but genuinely concerned about my elderly parents. These cooling zones need to be in every mohalla, not just 8 districts. And please keep them open at night too - heat stress doesn't end at sunset. 🙏 Stay safe everyone!
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