On World Health Day, observed under the banner “My health, My right”, countless workers in Delhi who earn their living outdoors—like rickshaw pullers, hawkers, and auto drivers—are enduring an escalating health emergency fueled by unbearable heat and air contamination.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a yellow alert, cautioning that a heatwave will linger until mid-week. On Sunday, Delhi’s mercury touched 38.2°C, exceeding the average by over 3 degrees. The Air Quality Index (AQI) was recorded at a troubling 209, labelled ‘poor’.
Workers say the situation is taking a heavy toll. Auto driver Santosh Hazra said the heat burns the skin and causes fatigue, worsened by lack of resting shade. His peer Prashant Kumar described drowsiness and quick exhaustion that reduce working hours. Fruit vendor Mohammad Haseem added that footfall dips drastically midday, affecting both earnings and costs, as they’re forced to spend more on cold beverages.
According to Dr. Vivek Nangia, a leading pulmonologist, prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures can progress from mild cramps to heatstroke, often requiring intensive care. It can worsen cardiac, respiratory, and kidney conditions, and in severe cases, become life-threatening.
Experts also warn that Delhi lacks durable climate defences for its vulnerable workers. While free water is now more accessible, amenities like shaded rest zones and cooling shelters are rare. Reports urge the implementation of long-term urban heat response strategies, including more trees, rooftop solar cooling, and localized heat maps.
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