agit komar
In New Delhi, India, gig workers like Aman face extreme challenges due to the scorching heatwave gripping parts of the country. Each morning, Aman, a 26-year-old delivery person, prepares for his grueling day by filling three plastic bottles with water and packing leftover food. Having moved from Bihar in 2018 to support his family, he now endures temperatures he describes as the hottest he has ever experienced.
Recently, Delhi recorded an unprecedented temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius (127.2 degrees Fahrenheit), although weather officials later adjusted this to the high 40s (113-120F). A 2021 report identified India as one of the top five countries most exposed to extreme heat. This reality underscores the urgency of addressing the adverse conditions gig workers face daily.
Aman recounts fainting from heat exhaustion while making a delivery, a frightening incident that highlights the physical dangers of his job. Now, he takes extra precautions, such as carrying water to stay hydrated and conscious throughout his 10-hour shifts. Despite his efforts, the intense heat has slashed his earnings from 750 Indian rupees ($9) in winter to 500 rupees ($6) in summer, threatening his ability to support his family.
The plight of India’s gig workers is emblematic of broader systemic issues. According to NITI Aayog, there are 7.7 million gig workers in India, projected to grow to 23.5 million by 2029-30. Yet, the rising temperatures are expected to reduce daily working hours by 5.8 percent by 2030, posing significant challenges, especially for the 90 percent of workers employed in the informal sector.
Sharukh, another gig worker, avoids high-end restaurants that deny delivery workers basic amenities like water. He recounts the disdain he faces and prefers smaller establishments where he is treated with more humanity. The severe heat has forced him to alter his routine, consuming lighter meals and drinking lemonade to stay hydrated, yet he continues to suffer from exhaustion and severe headaches.
Government data reveals the deadly impact of the heatwave, with approximately 25,000 cases of suspected heatstroke and 56 fatalities from March to May. However, the actual toll could be higher. Despite the dire conditions, companies are not doing enough to ensure the safety and wellbeing of their workers. The lack of health insurance, irregular income, and pressure to meet delivery targets exacerbate the physical and mental toll on gig workers.
Activists like Selomi Garnaik from Greenpeace India advocate for recognizing heatwaves as a national disaster, which would enable effective fund allocation for adaptation, mitigation, and relief. The existing heat action plans, often reduced to mere guiding documents, must prioritize outdoor workers. This includes reducing working hours during peak heat, providing work absence allowances, and ensuring access to essential public goods like electricity and water.
The inequity in the burden of heat is stark. While we all experience rising temperatures, outdoor workers bear the brunt, risking their health and safety daily. It is imperative to address this disparity and implement measures that protect those at the forefront of this crisis.
Gig workers like Govinda Shah, who works for a grocery delivery platform, embody the resilience and struggle of millions. The relentless heatwave has left him with painful rashes and a constant sense of embarrassment due to sweat-soaked clothes. As he prays for the heatwave to end, his plight is a poignant reminder that survival in such extreme conditions is becoming increasingly difficult.
In conclusion, the current heatwave crisis in India is a clarion call for immediate and comprehensive action. The government, companies, and society must collaborate to ensure the safety, health, and dignity of gig workers who form the backbone of our urban economies. Addressing their needs and mitigating the impacts of extreme heat is not just a matter of survival but a fundamental issue of equity and justice.
