When working in scorching heat is what a worker aspires

In Delhi, when the mercury soar past 45°C, a silent struggle unfolds daily on the streets. For thousands of informal workers — daily wage labourers, street vendors, porters and rickshaw pullers — the scorching heat is not just an inconvenience — it is a life-threatening occupational hazard.

Unlike those who can retreat to air-conditioned homes or offices, these workers must continue their jobs under the open sky, often with minimal protection from the sun and little access to clean drinking water.

The consequences of this relentless exposure to extreme heat are profound. Prolonged sun exposure leads to dehydration, heatstroke, exhaustion and even fatalities. Yet, for many of these workers, skipping a day’s work is not an option.

Their earnings are often hand-to-mouth and a single missed day could mean going without food. This compulsion to work, even under dangerous weather conditions, reveals the stark inequalities that define urban life in one of the world’s fastest-growing cities.

Delhi’s heatwaves, exacerbated by climate change and rapid urbanisation are making conditions unbearable.

The concrete landscape traps heat, and the lack of green cover further intensifies the urban heat island effect. For informal workers who lack shelter, public amenities, or any form of workplace regulation, this environmental crisis directly threatens their health and livelihood.

Public spaces where they work — roadsides, markets, traffic signals — offer no refuge.

Despite their essential role in keeping the city functioning, these workers remain largely invisible in policy discussions. There are no comprehensive heat action plans focused on the informal sector, and few emergency interventions to protect those most at risk.

Shade structures, cooling stations, or mobile health support are scarce, and awareness campaigns about heat safety seldom reach them.

This systemic neglect reflects broader issues of exclusion and vulnerability within India's urban informal economy.

As Delhi confronts the increasing impacts of climate change, it is imperative to bring the experiences of its most vulnerable citizens to the centre of urban planning.

The resilience of street vendors, rickshaw pullers and day labourers should not be romanticised — it should be recognised, supported, and safeguarded. Only then can the city move towards a truly inclusive and climate-resilient future.