New Delhi, July 4 : Taking a proactive step to protect Delhi’s frontline workers from intensifying heatwaves, Cabinet Minister for Public Works Department (PWD), Parvesh Sahib Singh, today launched the Cool Vest Jacket Initiative under the Delhi Heat Action Plan – Anticipatory Action Response. The initiative is being implemented by ADRA India, in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).
The launch, held in central Delhi, aims to safeguard those most at risk during extreme heat—construction workers, PWD field staff, and traffic police—who often work long hours outdoors in hazardous conditions.
“Those who stand under the open sky while we remain in shaded rooms are the real backbone of our city. Anticipatory action means we don’t wait for tragedy—we prevent it. The Cool Vest Jacket is not just a piece of gear, it is our promise to care for those who care for Delhi every single day.”
Why This Initiative Matters
In 2024 alone, India witnessed over 44,000 cases of heatstroke, with Delhi experiencing its longest and most intense heatwave in over a decade. Heatwaves, often called “silent killers,” cause severe health risks without leaving visible damage—especially for field workers exposed to direct sunlight.
The Cool Vest Jacket Initiative provides a tangible, immediate solution to this growing threat.
Key Features of the Cool Vest Jacket
• Battery-operated dual fan unit (10,000 mAh, 5V) for personal cooling
•Ice collar technology that lowers surface body temperature by up to 15°C
•Lightweight, water- and abrasion-resistant fabric, suitable for long duty hours
•Unisex design, ensuring wide usability across departments
Pilot Rollout and Impact Evaluation
The jackets are being rolled out under a pilot program across select field teams. Over the coming weeks, ADRA India, NDMA, and DDMA will conduct field trials and assessments to evaluate the jacket’s performance. The feedback will help determine the feasibility of expanding the initiative city-wide and embedding it in future heat action plans.
Part of a Broader Heatwave Response Strategy
The Cool Vest Jacket initiative is one part of a larger, forward-looking heat response plan by ADRA India, which also includes:
•Public awareness campaigns on heat safety
•Climate education modules in schools
•Early warning alerts in high-risk zones
•Distribution of hydration kits to vulnerable workers
•Special outreach to informal sector and daily-wage earners
A Step Toward Responsible, Compassionate Governance
By launching this initiative, Parvesh Sahib Singh has sent a strong message: Delhi’s development must include protection for those who build and maintain it. The Cool Vest Jacket is not only a symbol of innovation but also of respect, empathy, and preparedness in an era of climate uncertainty.
“This is more than protection from heat—it’s protection of dignity, of life, and of those who serve our city silently every day.”
The Impressive Times
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