Temperatures in Delhi have soared to a scorching 45C, leaving millions of informal workers struggling to survive. The city’s streets are a stark contrast of two worlds: air-conditioned showrooms and outdoor workers battling the heat.
For workers like 52-year-old Harish Chandra, who pedals a cycle-rickshaw through crowded streets, the heat is unbearable. Chandra says the summers have become harder to bear each year, with the sun being so harsh that he sometimes feels his body giving up.
Delhi Heat Crisis
The Indian government has issued heat warnings, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged people to stay hydrated and watch for signs of heat exhaustion. However, for many outdoor workers, following this advice is difficult due to the need to earn a daily wage.
Experts say cities like Delhi are vulnerable to the “urban heat island effect,” where concrete, traffic, and limited green cover trap heat. The city has a heat action plan, including color-coded heat alerts and public advisories, but many workers find it hard to take time off due to financial constraints.
A report by the International Labour Organization estimates that heat stress could reduce India’s total working hours by 5.8% by 2030. Doctors warn that prolonged exposure to extreme heat puts immense strain on the body, especially for people spending long hours outdoors without shade or adequate hydration.
Human Toll of Heatwaves
The heatwave has already taken a toll on the city’s residents, with many workers forced to take days off due to heat exhaustion. Mohammad Umar, a 50-year-old tuk-tuk driver, said he lost a day’s wages when he was forced to stay home due to the heat.
The economic losses due to heat stress are significant, with a Lancet Countdown report finding that India lost around $194bn in 2024 due to heat-related losses. As the heatwave continues, the city’s residents are bracing for the worst, with many wondering how they will cope with the rising temperatures.
