The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has announced the installation of 25 drinking water points in each ward across the city.
This initiative, part of a broader Heat Action Plan, aims to provide residents with easy access to potable water during the peak summer months, mitigating the risks of heat-related illnesses such as heatstrokes. The decision, which was made during a high-level consultation meeting on Tuesday, brings together over 100 delegates from various governmental organisations, voluntary groups, and AMC officials to discuss the implementation of measures to curb the effects of extreme heat. The new water points will be set up with the help of voluntary organisations that have partnered with AMC for the execution of the plan.
The introduction of these 25 water points per ward is part of AMC’s larger strategy to address the public health challenges posed by the city’s soaring summer temperatures. With climate change exacerbating heatwaves and increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, Ahmedabad’s local authorities have taken the initiative to reduce heat-related fatalities, which tend to spike during the summer months. Officials are particularly focused on mitigating heatstroke incidents, which are a significant concern as daytime temperatures often climb well above 40°C. By ensuring that each ward has multiple access points for drinking water, the city aims to provide a much-needed lifeline for residents, especially those who are out in the heat for long hours, such as workers, children, and the elderly. The water points will also provide a critical service to people who may not have regular access to cooled water at their homes.
Additionally, the Heat Action Plan includes a series of other interventions aimed at managing the effects of extreme heat. Among the measures outlined, the AMC has decided to limit the operation of traffic lights during the afternoon hours, a move designed to reduce energy consumption and mitigate the urban heat island effect, which is intensified by prolonged periods of vehicle emissions and traffic congestion. The civic body has also introduced dedicated heatstroke treatment facilities at AMC-run hospitals and urban health centres, where people affected by the heat can receive immediate care. This initiative aims to enhance the city’s healthcare infrastructure during the summer, ensuring that both residents and visitors have access to timely medical attention in case of heat-related emergencies.
In addition to fixed drinking water points, AMC has also rolled out mobile water stations across different zones of the city. These stations are designed to move dynamically based on high-demand areas, ensuring that water is available to communities even in the most densely populated or industrialised localities. This mobility ensures that people working on construction sites, in factories, or at busy transportation hubs have immediate access to hydration, reducing the risk of heat-induced illnesses in high-risk areas. Furthermore, AMC has taken steps to ensure the availability of Oral Rehydration Salt (ORS) packets at key public spaces, including anganwadis (childcare centres), bus stands, and health centres. These locations will serve as vital nodes in the city’s emergency response system during heatwaves, with ORS packets being made available free of charge to vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those suffering from dehydration. The municipality has also pledged to distribute ORS packets to organisations that request them, ensuring that community-based organisations, NGOs, and other grassroots entities have the necessary resources to respond to heat-related health issues. The provision of these life-saving packets, along with the city’s other measures, highlights AMC’s holistic approach to combating heat-related health problems in Ahmedabad.
The implementation of the heat action plan, including the establishment of drinking water points, mobile water stations, and heatstroke treatment centres, represents a critical step towards making Ahmedabad a more resilient city in the face of rising temperatures. It aligns with broader global goals of creating sustainable, equitable, and climate-resilient cities. While addressing the immediate needs of the city’s residents, the initiative also highlights the importance of long-term urban planning in the context of climate change. By integrating cooling measures into the city’s infrastructure and daily operations, AMC is not only addressing the current health risks posed by extreme heat but also preparing the city for future climate challenges. Furthermore, the collaboration with voluntary organisations for the establishment of drinking water points underscores the importance of community involvement in addressing urban challenges. Public-private partnerships, along with the active participation of citizens, can significantly enhance the effectiveness of such initiatives, making them more inclusive and sustainable.
As the summer months continue and heatwaves become more frequent, Ahmedabad’s Heat Action Plan serves as a model for other cities grappling with the impacts of climate change. With the combination of immediate interventions such as water points, mobile stations, and health facilities, alongside long-term investments in sustainable urban planning, Ahmedabad is setting a benchmark for how cities can protect their populations from the risks of extreme heat. By ensuring that these measures are implemented in an inclusive, transparent, and effective manner, AMC is not only safeguarding the health of its residents but also contributing to the creation of a climate-resilient and sustainable urban environment. This proactive approach to urban heat management is an essential step in building cities that are not only livable but also capable of thriving in the face of climate change.
25 New Drinking Water Points to Be Installed in Ahmedabad
