New Delhi: Amid rising temperatures and heat wave situation intensifying, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Sunday directed officials to strictly implement the Heat Wave Action Plan 2026 on the ground. Highlighting the increasing severity of heat conditions, the Chief Minister pointed to a worrying trend: Delhi has seen temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius for almost 40 consecutive days in the last two to three years. This year, the government has conducted a detailed scientific assessment of the entire city using satellite data to identify high-risk areas. Among the most sensitive areas is Ayanagar in South Delhi, where earlier the temperature was recorded up to 45.5 degrees Celsius. Extreme highs are also observed in Najafgarh (43.7 °C in 2025) and Safdarjung (46.8 °C in 2023). Other emerging thermal hotspots include Wazirpur, Jahangirpuri, Khayala, Shastri Park, Vishwas Nagar, Harkesh Nagar, Hari Nagar and Delhi Gate. Additionally, densely populated areas like Savda, Mubarakpur Dabas, Bhalswa, Nand Nagari, Gokulpuri and Bakkarwala are experiencing a pronounced ‘heat island’ effect. Special safety measures have been prepared for these areas, including increasing ORS stocks at health centres, deployment of rapid response teams and additional water tankers. In a notable directive, the Chief Minister asked departments, especially DDA, Education Department and Delhi Jal Board, to ensure water and shade not only for people but also for animals and birds. Water containers for birds and dedicated watering points for stray animals are being set up in parks, bus depots and school campuses. According to the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO), for the safety of school children, if necessary, the government may administer ORS solution to them before leaving them for school, to reduce the risk of dehydration during their commute. For construction workers, strict measures will be implemented during peak summer hours. During extreme summer conditions outdoor work may be stopped between 12 noon and 3 pm. The workers will also be provided with drinking water, caps and towels for protection from the sun. First aid kits and ice packs will be made available at workplaces if needed. Delhi is also moving towards ‘Cool Roof Policy 2026’. Reflective coating has already been installed on approximately 28,674 square feet at Kashmere Gate ISBT, which will help in reducing indoor temperatures. To deal with the heat, high-pressure misting systems will be installed at bus stops, while anti-smog guns will be used to cool dense areas. The health department has put more than 339 health centers on alert in all 13 districts. More than 30 hospitals have set up dedicated five-bed ‘cool rooms’ for heatwave patients. Residents can seek help through 24×7 helpline numbers 1077, 1070 or 112. Additionally, 39 rapid response teams and trained ASHA workers are on standby. Arrangements for cold drinking water and ORS will be made at busy public places including bus stops and terminals. Reiterating the government’s firm commitment towards electricity supply, Chief Minister Gupta said that the demand for electricity in the capital can create a new record in the summer season this year. It is estimated that Delhi’s maximum power demand this season will cross the 9,000 MW mark, which is much higher than last year’s maximum demand of 8,442 MW. In light of this huge demand, we have issued strict instructions to the power distribution companies, making it clear that any cut in supply will not be tolerated. According to the Chief Minister, a special priority protocol has been implemented to ensure uninterrupted 24×7 power supply to critical facilities like hospitals, water treatment plants (WTP) and mobile towers. Power companies have also been directed to keep additional quick response teams and mobile transformers on standby to address issues related to transformers and technical breakdowns, thereby ensuring that supply can be restored immediately in case of any emergency.