Delhi's Outdoor Workers Endure Extreme Heat, Livelihoods Threatened

As Delhi swelters under a relentless heatwave, with temperatures soaring to 45 degrees Celsius, the city's outdoor workers bear the brunt of this extreme weather. For individuals like Gomti, a jewelry seller at Dilli Haat, and Farman Ali, a delivery worker, the rising temperatures are not just a matter of discomfort but a direct threat to their livelihoods. The harsh reality is that for these workers, staying home is not an option, as missing even a single day of work means a significant loss of income, pushing them to endure grueling conditions.

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When my head starts heating up too much, I use my sari to cover it as I cannot afford any new clothes.

The daily struggle for survival is amplified by the prohibitive cost of basic necessities. "Most earnings spent on buying water," is a common refrain, highlighting the financial strain. Workers often have to ration their water intake or rely on the meager resources available, as purchasing ample water is a luxury they can ill afford. The heat also leads to frequent bouts of fever and headaches, yet many continue to work through their illness, fearing the economic consequences of absence. This situation is compounded by the fact that poorly ventilated workplaces offer little respite, making the summer months a period of intense exhaustion and hardship.

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Some restaurants refill our water and let us sit while we wait, but most tell us to stand outside in the heat while the food is made.

While the weather department forecasts even hotter conditions, the resilience of Delhi's outdoor workforce is tested daily. They navigate demanding work schedules, often facing the dual pressure of delivery incentives and the risk of customer abuse for minor delays caused by the heat. The narrative of these workers, often overlooked in discussions about urban development, brings into sharp focus the human cost of climate change and the urgent need for policies that address the vulnerabilities of the city's most marginalized populations. Their plight underscores a critical issue: how can a city thrive when its essential workforce is pushed to its physical limits by environmental conditions?

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When we reach customers, sometimes people offer us water, but many also abuse us for being even a little late.