New Delhi [India]: In a bid to offer relief from the sweltering heat, the Delhi government is rolling out the ‘Jaldoot Scheme’, which will see Water Ambassadors deployed at bus stops across the city.
According to officials, the initiative will cover around 1,525 bus stops in the national capital, providing passersby and commuters access to free drinking water.
Under the scheme, each Water Ambassador will be equipped with a large container filled with clean drinking water, which they will distribute to people waiting at or passing through bus stops. The scheme is part of the government’s Summer Action Plan, focused on reducing the impact of extreme heat.
In addition to the Water Ambassador initiative, the government also plans to install water coolers at key locations. As a pilot project, e-tenders are being floated for installing water coolers at 25 selected spots across the city. Furthermore, 25 bus depots will also receive upgraded water arrangements to accommodate public needs during peak summer months.
This development aligns with the Delhi Heat Action Plan 2025, launched in April, which aims to build a long-term, climate-resilient strategy for the capital. The plan includes emergency responses and relief infrastructure such as:
- Cooling shelters
- Shading structures
- Dedicated hospital wards for heat-related illnesses
- Water stations and coolers at public places
The initiative underscores the government’s commitment to public welfare amid escalating temperatures and is aimed at preventing heat strokes and dehydration among vulnerable communities.