New Delhi, May 1 (IANS) In line with the Heatwave Action Plan, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday directed DTC officials to deploy “Jaldoots” at 23 major bus terminals to provide free drinking water to commuters and staff.​

Chief Minister Gupta and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh directed Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) officials to undertake special measures to safeguard the health and convenience of passengers during the heatwave.​

The DTC will provide 200 ml packaged water glasses and pouches in 3,000 moving buses and offer static water dispensers at selected terminals for passengers and staff to remain hydrated, said an official.​

The DTC’s “Jaldoot” initiative aims to provide immediate relief to the public, particularly daily commuters who are most vulnerable to extreme heat.​

The “Jaldoot” initiative, first launched last year under the direction of the Transport Minister, had received an overwhelmingly positive response from the public.​

The proactive intervention provided significant relief to citizens during peak summer conditions, reinforcing the government’s commitment to responsive, citizen-centric governance, said an official statement.​

Building on the success, the initiative has been further strengthened this year to expand its outreach and impact.​

Further strengthening this effort, arrangements have been made to ensure free drinking water is available on approximately 3,000 DTC buses operating across the city, said Singh.​

This step significantly expands access to hydration for passengers throughout their journey, said the statement.​

The initiative reflects DTC’s continued commitment to public service and passenger welfare, especially during adverse weather conditions.​

The DTC has also appealed to all passengers to remain cautious during the heatwave, stay adequately hydrated, and avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight during peak afternoon hours.​

While reviewing the Heatwave Action Plan, the Chief Minister earlier directed all hospitals to ensure adequate bed capacity for heat-related cases and that every ambulance is equipped with essential facilities to handle heat emergencies.​

On the health front, more than 339 health centres across Delhi have been equipped with ORS, ice packs and related supplies, while over 30 hospitals now have dedicated ‘cool rooms’ for heatstroke management, said a statement.​

Additionally, 174 medical officers and ASHA workers have been trained to handle heat-related illnesses, and 330 ambulances have been kept on standby for emergency response.​

She also called for a comprehensive citywide awareness campaign to educate residents on preventive measures. Schools have been instructed to introduce a ‘water bell’ system to prompt students to drink water at regular intervals and prevent dehydration.​

–IANS

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