India, July 5 -- The Public Works Department (PWD) minister Parvesh Verma on Friday distributed cooling jackets or vests to field staff such as construction workers and traffic police officers, as part of the Delhi Heat Action Plan's anticipatory response strategy, officials said.

The cooling jackets are battery-operated and fitted with ice collars and are being distributed on a pilot basis. The initiative is being implemented by Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) India, in collaboration with National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA).

"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...