Rising Heat and Urban Vulnerability
In April 2025, Delhi recorded temperatures over 41°C, with hot nights offering little relief.
Extreme heat is now a regular and deadly problem, worsened by climate change.
Informal urban workers (e.g., vendors, construction workers, gig workers) are the most affected.
The Reserve Bank of India warned that heat could reduce India’s GDP by 4.5% due to its impact on health and work.
Problems in Current Heat Action Plans (HAPs)
Many Indian cities have Heat Action Plans, but they are often basic, short-term, and underfunded.
Informal workers are rarely mentioned or considered in these plans.
HAPs focus on public awareness, not on job safety or livelihood impacts.
Government departments work in silos, lacking coordination and national-level guidance.
Most city HAPs ignore long-term solutions like heat-resilient infrastructure or flexible work hours.
Global and Indian Examples of Better Practices
Countries like the U.S., France, Qatar, and Australia have strong worker protections during heatwaves.
Measures include water breaks, shaded rest, heat safety training, and stopping outdoor work in peak heat.
In India, Ahmedabad and Odisha have taken early steps like changing work hours and banning outdoor work during extreme heat.
What Needs to Change
Update National Guidelines: NDMA must revise its heat guidelines to clearly include informal workers and define protections like rest breaks and water access.
Involve Workers: City and state governments should include workers and their unions in planning. Solutions must reflect real work conditions.
Provide Cooling Support: Set up hydration stations, cooling centres, shaded zones in markets and public spaces. These should be safe and gender-sensitive.
Secure Funding and Insurance: Use CSR and city funds for heat adaptation. Offer health insurance for heat-related illnesses, especially for informal workers.
Integrate in City Design: Embed heat safety into building rules and city planning. Add trees, water bodies, and shade in public areas and workspaces.
National Coordination: Create a task force combining key ministries to guide cities on linking climate response with worker protection. Appoint dedicated heat officers in each city.
Why It Matters
For informal workers, the climate crisis is already a daily reality.
Without proper heat protection, the consequences will include more illness, job loss, and death.
Acting now can save lives and ensure fair, livable cities for the future.
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